Big and Scary vs Small and Beautiful!

  For the past few mornings, a critter seems to be waiting at the gate for my arrival.  Not that he is particularly waiting to visit but seems to want to keep tabs of where I am.  I am the big, scary monster that lurks just beyond his territory.  It is not my intention to be a monster but I guess with the difference our sizes, I do appear large, scary and could possibly be a predator.  If only he knew how wrong that idea is.

  A green anole lives in the jasmine vine that flanks either side of the gate that heads out to the board path.  I take this board path to the pier each morning and any other time I wish to head south from the house.  Lately, the lizard is waiting on the fence post.  The jasmine vines twirl gracefully above his head as the morning sun glistens on his dewlap making it a fiery red.  Just as he waits on the fence post each morning, I stand in awe of his beauty with each visit.  What a work of art this guy is!

  Have you ever pondered the use of that bright red flap of skin called a dewlap?  There is actually two purposes.  One, as most believe, is to attract a female anole.  While this is partially correct, it is not the entire purpose of the dewlap.  It does have to do with his ladylove in a round about way.  The male lizard extends his dewlap when he feels threatened or when he wishes TO threaten.  This makes it more appealing to a potential mate but, also, scares off other male lizards in the area.  He extends the dewlap to make himself seem more powerful...in other words, the larger the dewlap, the larger and stronger the lizard.  In my case, the lizard is letting me know that he will be willing to defend his territory even against a big, scary monster (me!).   But, instead of being intimidated by his threatening antics, I find him amusing.  My new, little buddy is rather adorable!