130 REPTILES OF THE WORLD 



The distribution of this genus is from southern North 

 America, throughout Mexico, Central America, tropical 

 South America and the West Indies. A. equestris, of 

 Cuba and Jamaica, grows to a length of 16 inches and 

 appears to be the largest species. Like many others, 

 the tail is compressed and has a serrated upper edge. 

 When the males are engaged in their frequent fights a 

 decided ridge appears on the back; as the animal be- 

 comes quiescent, the body assumes a rounded appearance. 

 A. sagrce is an abundant species of the Bahamas, Cuba, 

 Jamaica and the eastern portion of Central America. 

 It has a much flattened tail, with strong indications of a 

 serrated crest above. This lizard reaches a length of 

 6-7 inches and is one of the species of its genus that 

 displays considerable color variation, yet seldom or never 

 takes on shades of green. The commoner pattern is a 

 rich golden brown over which are scattered dark brown 

 dots and blotches. There are often pale, longitudinal 

 bands on the back — sometimes dark rhombs on each side 

 of the back. 



The American "Chameleon," Anolis carolinensis, 

 abounds in the southeastern portion of the United States 

 and in Cuba. This species has a round tail and assumes 

 brilliant shades of green. It may be seen running along 

 fences, on the walls of buildings, or among vegetation, 

 where it hops from leaf to leaf with seldom a fall, cling- 

 ing to smooth surfaces like a big fly. 



A five or six-inch "Chameleon" is full grown and 

 makes a pretty pet — though it will not thrive upon a 

 diet of sugar and water, as is the prevailing idea. Cap- 

 tive specimens should be kept in a warm, sunny place. 

 They will eat meal worms and flies, soon becoming tame 

 enough to take food from one's fingers. It is amusing 

 to see one of these lizards catch a fly. The entire per- 



