Cuban Brown Anoles ( Anolis sagrei sagrei )

Here in central Florida small lizards are commonly seen on trees, fences, shrubs and in many other places. 

                                                

Commonly, they are Cuban Brown Anoles ( Anolis sagrei sagrei ). The name anole is frequently pronounced phonetically as uh-noh-lee.

                                                   

You may also see an occasional Green anole (Anolis carolinensis), but they are becoming increasingly rare. The most common elements of their diet are bugs and other insects. Though on one occasion I was astonished to see one that had swallowed about half of an small earthworm while the worm was still alive. It is my understanding that anoles eat only live prey because they have see it move before they can take it. 

                                             

  Male anole's have a dew lap or throat fan that is used for either courtship or defensive purposes. It is brightly colored and frequently extended from under the head. The deployment of the dew lap is normally accompanied by head bobbing or "push ups" during courtship or defense.

                                                

   They are considered to be excellent prey for a variety of other predators such as egrets, herons, cats and children (though children seldom actually eat them).