 Polychrotidae(American Chameleon) is a family of lizards commonly known as Anoles. There are four genera: Anolis, Norops, Phenacosaurus, and Polychrus. They are frequently and incorrectly called chameleons, or geckos, although they are not biologically classified within or closely related to either of these groups. These misconceptions are likely due to their ability to alter their skin color and run walls, respectively.
Anoles are small and common lizards that can be found throughout the southeaster United States, the Carribean, and various other regions of the western world. A large majority of them sport a green coloration, including the only species native to North America, the aptly named green anole, although the green anole can change its color based on its mood and surroundings. Anoles are an exorbitantly diverse and plentiful group of lizards. There are currently well over 300 known species, The knight, green, bark, and Cuban brown anoles can all be found in the United States, primarily in Florida, although the most prevalent of these species bay far is the Cuban brown anole, which has pushed the native green (or "Carolina") anole population farther north. All species of anole in the U.S. except the green anole were introduced through eggs nested in imported plants. It is notable that while nearly all anoles can change their color, the extent and variations of this ability differ wildly throughout the individual anole species. For example, the green anole can change its color from a bright, leafy green to a dull brown color, while the Cuban brown can only change its shade of brown, along with the patterns on its back. |
