April 13, 2023

We are two Brown Anoles

We are considered invasive exotics

But don't be worried, we are guys having a fight

No babies made here, this wrestling's platonic.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive, MINWF

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW486

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 5, 2022

I am known as a Brown Anole

I use my dewlap to announce my presence

The light shining through it at this time of day

Gives the illusion of incandescence.

Location: Private residence, Vero Beach

Sources: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/UW486

Photo and text © 2022 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

September 4, 2020

I am a female Brown Anole
I'm an invasive exotic (to give full disclosure)
I out-compete Florida Anoles for food
But sometimes, I can be quite the poser.

Location: Fellsmere, St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/smsfp/irlspec/Anolis_sagrei.htm

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

May 27, 2020

Location: Maritime Hammock Sanctuary, Melbourne Beach

I'm an exotic Brown Anole
Because of my toes I'm good at running and jumping
My life span is only about 18 months but
I spend 10 to 12 of that breeding and humping.

Sources: Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce Indian River Lagoon Species Inventory - Anolis sagrei

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

July 19, 2019

Location: Fellsmere, My house

I am a Cuban Brown Anole
I'm making native Green Anoles go extinct.
In some cases Green Anoles are higher and harder to see,
To that fact I am inextricably linked.

Sources: Anole Annals: Are Brown Anoles in Florida Really Driving Green Anoles to Extinction?

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

April 18, 2019

Location: Vero Beach, Riverside Park

I am a Cuban Brown Anole
In Florida, I am ubique
I have not changed in 20 million years
I've reached my evolutionary peak.

Sources: Reptile Magazine: Cuban Brown Anole No Longer Evolving, Scientists Say

Photo and text © 2018 Dee Fairbanks Simpson