Urban Observation of the Week: NOLA Anoles

New Orleans is a great city — good food, good people, good drinks. But the best part about New Orleans? LIZARDS! Keep your eyes open and you’re likely to see lizards crawling on the trees, fences, buildings, and trashcans. Two species are common to the city: Anolis carolinensis, which are native to the Southeast USA, and Anolis sagrei, which are non-native.

 

 

Last fall in New Orleans, I observed both species of anoles swarm a trash can, hunting the insects attracted to the waste. I even managed to get a video of the trash feast!

Three anoles (two species!) perched on a trash bag hunting the abundant flies in New Orleans

 

 


Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare plant or animal that you were surprised to find in a city? If so, let Lindsay know or Tweet at us and you could be featured as a future observation of the week!

Kristin Winchell

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