Green Anole Dewlap Display in Arkansas

A Green Anole can be easy to miss until it flashes that bright dewlap. I photographed this one on my property near the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas.

That colorful flap of skin under the chin turned a quiet lizard sighting into a memorable wildlife moment.

Green Anole Dewlap Display Near the Ouachita National Forest

The Green Anole is a common lizard in the southeastern United States. Its green color helps it stand out to me as a photographer, especially when it pauses in good light.

The dewlap is the colorful flap of skin below the chin. Male Green Anoles often extend it as a signal to potential mates or rivals.

This one showed the kind of color that makes these lizards fun to photograph. The dewlap can range from bright red to pink. It can also show orange or yellow tones.

I see Green Anoles in different places near the Ouachita National Forest. The ones around my property often tolerate my presence long enough for close-up photos.

For another look at this species, see my post, Green Anole Climbing On Leaves.

Reading the Color and Posture of This Arkansas Anole

Green Anoles are active during the day. That gives me more chances to watch their behavior in natural light.

They are usually about 6 to 8 inches long, including the tail. They eat insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and moths.

I often find them in forest and woodland habitat. They can also live around yards and other developed areas.

The dewlap display is what caught my attention here. It added color, behavior, and a clear point of interest to the photo.

Photographing a Green Anole at 500mm

I photographed this Green Anole on May 6, 2023, at 10:12 A.M. The long lens let me keep some distance while still filling the frame.

The Canon RF 100-500mm lens gave me reach without crowding the lizard. That matters with small wildlife. A little space can help keep the behavior natural.

Camera details from this photo:

• Camera: Canon EOS R7
• Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
• Location: Near the Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas
• Date and time: May 6, 2023, 10:12 A.M.
• Aperture: f/8
• Shutter speed: 1/1000
• ISO: 1250, Auto
• Exposure compensation: +0.3
• Focal length: 500 mm

This was one of those small wildlife encounters that rewards patience. A Green Anole is already a beautiful subject, but the dewlap display adds life to the scene.

It is a reminder to slow down and watch the smaller creatures around me. Sometimes the best color in the woods comes from something only a few inches long.