Easy-to-care-for, color-morphing Carolina anoles (Anolis carolinensis) make great classroom critters. In this activity, students learn about anoles, create a classroom habitat for them, and discover the 3 things anoles need for an active, healthy life. Designed for elementary and middle school students, this activity meets the following National Science Education Standards:

Characteristics of organisms

Organisms and environments

Regulation and behavior

Diversity and adaptations of organisms

Found naturally throughout the southeastern United States, anoles are often referred to as the "American chameleon" because of their ability to change the color of their skin from green to brown (and vice versa). Anoles are typically found in bushes or trees, but because they are excellent climbers, they can also be seen on walls and fences. A distinguishing characteristic of the anole is the bright red dewlap present in all males and some females. Anoles can inflate this vividly colored piece of cartilage located under their chins to make themselves look larger and more dominant. This behavior is most often seen in males intimidating rivals or courting females. Females also have dewlaps, but they are less colorful than those of males and seldom displayed.

Like other reptiles, anoles are ectothermic (cold-blooded) animals that regulate their body temperature using the environment. When an anole needs to raise its temperature for activities like hunting or eating, it basks on a tree branch or a rock, absorbing heat from the sunlight. To warm up quicker, some anoles change color, from green to brown, because dark colors absorb more sunlight than light colors do. To cool down, anoles seek shade and shelter beneath a rock or log. They can also change color, from brown to green, to absorb less sunlight.

A 5-gal aquarium (glass or plastic) with a secure, ventilated cover

A flat rock

A small climbing branch

A small, shallow water bowl

Bark chips

Plants

Potting soil

Sand

Smooth pebbles

Procedure
This can be summarized in 3 words—food, water, and heat. Here is a brief guide to providing all 3 and keeping your anole active and healthy.

In nature, anoles consume a wide variety of small insects and insect larvae. However, they only eat food that is alive and moving. Small crickets (or nymphs), wax worms, and mealworms are anole favorites. You can also feed them flies (including wingless fruit flies) and small worms, but be sure that all food is free of insecticides or pesticides that might harm the anole. To feed your anole, simply place the living food in the habitat. The average adult can eat 4–5 crickets a day. Activity idea: Count the crickets or worms consumed by your anole at different temperatures and graph the results.

Make sure there is always clean, fresh water available to your anole. In addition to adding water to the bowl, mist the plants in the habitat with water. This provides water for the plants and an alternative source of water for the anole.

Remember, your anole is ectothermic, so it needs to warm itself before it can hunt, eat, and move about. The easiest way to provide heat for it is to shine a 100-W light bulb into part of its habitat for 14 hours a day. Natural sunlight can also provide heat and vitamin D, but be careful not to leave your anole's habitat in the sun for too long.

We have everything you need to introduce your students to the fascinating anole. Here is just a sampler of what is available. Browse our print or online catalog to explore our complete line of products.

Anolis carolinensis

Chameleon Starter Kit

Lizard's Lair Kit