anole

anole
/euh noh"lee/, n.
any of numerous chiefly insectivorous New World lizards of the genus Anolis, related to the iguana, that have the ability to change the color of their skin among a wide range of green and brown shades. See illus. under lizard.
[1895-1900; var. of anoli < Carib]

* * *

▪ lizard
(genus Anolis) 
 any of more than 250 species of small, tree-dwelling lizards related to iguanas (iguana) (family Iguanidae (iguanid)). Anoles occur throughout the warmer regions of the Americas and are especially abundant in the West Indies. Like the gecko, most anoles have enlarged finger and toe pads that are covered with microscopic hooks. These clinging pads, together with sharp claws, enable them to climb, even over a smooth surface, with great speed and agility. Adult anoles may grow to 12 to 45 cm (5 to 18 inches) in length, and most species can change colour. The males have large throat fans, or dewlaps, that are often brightly coloured. The dewlap signals a male's possession of a territory and also serves to attract females for mating.

 A familiar anole (A. carolinensis, or green anole, commonly but erroneously called the American chameleon) is native to the southern United States. Its colour varies at times from green to brown or mottled, but its colour-changing ability is poor compared to that of the true chameleons of the Old World. Green anoles reach a maximum length of 18 cm and have a pink dewlap.
 

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • anole — n. 1. A small arboreal tropical American insectivorous lizard ({Anolis carolinensis}) with the ability to change skin color. Syn: American chameleon, {Anolis carolinensis} [WordNet 1.5] || …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • anole — (n.) or anoli, 1906, from a native name in the Antilles …   Etymology dictionary

  • anole — [ə nō′lē] n. any of a genus (Anolis, esp. A. carolinensis) of New World, tropical, arboreal lizards that can change color: see AMERICAN CHAMELEON …   English World dictionary

  • Anole — Demande de traduction …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Anole (comics) — Superherobox| caption=Anole Art by Skottie Young. comic color=background:#ff8080 character name=Anole real name=Victor Borkowski species=Human Mutant publisher=Marvel Comics debut= New Mutants v2, #2 (August 2003) creators=Nunzio DeFilippis… …   Wikipedia

  • anole — noun Etymology: probably from French anolis, from Arawak of the Lesser Antilles Date: circa 1753 any of a genus (Anolis) of arboreal American lizards (as the American chameleon) of the iguana family that have a brightly colored dewlap and the… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • anole — noun /əˈnəʊ.li,əˈnoʊ.li/ Any of the Anolis genus of arboreal American lizards (such as the American chameleon) from the iguana family which feature a brightly colored dewlap and color changing ability …   Wiktionary

  • anole — arboreal American lizard with ability to change colour Unusual Animals …   Phrontistery dictionary

  • anole — [ə nəʊli] noun a small arboreal American lizard with a throat fan, often brightly coloured. [Genus Anolis.] Origin C18: from Carib …   English new terms dictionary

  • anole — ano·le …   English syllables

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
… Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”