The American Chameleon 



pointing toward the snout. The si<in of the body is rather loose 

 and hangs in a fold at the throat; with male specimens, this 

 fold is dilatable into a "fan," and when fully expanded shows 

 a bright red skin between the scales separated by the distension. 



In proportion to the reptile's size, the limbs are long, par- 

 ticularly the hind pair. They are more developed for jumping 

 and climbing than for running over the ground. Compared 

 with the diameter of the orbit, the eyes are very small; this 

 condition is caused by the surrounding skin or eye-lids, giving 

 the eyes an independent, rolling movement and, consequently, 

 great scope of vision. 



Owing to the varying hues, no definite colour or pattern 

 can be applied to the species. The colour varies according to 

 the mood of the individual from different shades of brown into 

 emerald green ; during the darker phases, there is usually a pale, 

 clouded band on the back. The colour changes are described 

 under Hahiis. 



Dimensions. — The measurements of an adult male specimen 

 are given; the female is smaller, with a narrower and more 

 pointed head. 



Total Length 71 inches. 



Length of Tail 4f 



Length of Head J 



Width of Head tV " 



Length of Hind Limb if 



Distribution. — Principally, the coastal region of the south- 

 eastern United States — in the northern portion of the range — 

 from the Neuse River, in North Carolina, southward throughout 

 Florida and westward to the Rio Grande, in Texas. Abundant 

 in Mexico. Also found in Cuba, where it grows to a considerably 

 larger size than in the United States. 



Habits. — The American Chameleon acquires its name from 

 the trait of changing colour to a remarkable degree. In this 

 respect it rivals the true chameleons, of Africa. The most com- 

 mon hues of the Anolis'are brown and green. It curiously dis- 

 plays the latter brilliant hue quite persistently in connection 

 with conditions that widely differ. When sleeping, it is invariably 

 pale green, the abdomen immaculate white. When pug- 

 naciously fighting with its fellows, the same bright hue appears. 

 If badly frightened, the green soon suffuses the entire body, 



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