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.

Anolis sagrei, New Orleans

Anolis carolinensis, New Orleans

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!

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!

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Kristin Winchell

Assistant Professor at New York University

Co-founder of LITC along with E. Carlen and L. Miles. I'm an Assistant Professor in the Biology department at New York University. I study urban evolution from a functional morphological perspective. I like herps.

Latest posts by Kristin Winchell (see all)

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• Parallel Urban Adaptation from Phenotype to Genotype in Anolis Lizards - January 19, 2023