Author: Anthony Brais

Communal Basking of Anoles

On January 18, 2019

I wanted to share an observation of communal basking of the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) from the western Highland Rim of Tennessee. The locality is near the northern extent of their range in middle Tennessee. On a warm January day this winter, I observed six (6) individuals basking in close proximity along an exposed tree branch. The overwintering habitat was a south-facing road cut.

Has anyone else observed this type of “communal” basking of anoles, either in the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) or other species?

Hair-like Features on Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)

By Anthony Brais

On July 28, 2018

In Notes from the Field

I have an observation of the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) from the southern Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee. A population of these anoles lives on a south facing rock outcrop at the top of the plateau. In November 2017, I saw an individual with what appeared to have multiple hair-like features on its head. I first located this population in March 2017. Of the individuals I photographed in March 2017, neither showed evidence of these hair like features. I have been unable to locate any individuals from this population in two trips to the site in 2018.

Any thoughts on what this hair-like feature might be? Has anyone else observed this in Anolis carolinensis or any other anole species?