Class Mascot Nominee: Carolina Anole

  The most obvious nominee should be a South Carolina native species, the Carolina anole or Anolis Carolinensis. Caught on almost every single field trip this species is just begging to represent the College of Charleston Herpetology class of 2013. However, when this species was caught on field trips the most common phrase was, “not another anole,” but we should be excited that this fascinating creature wanted to engage in our company.
            This arboreal lizard is a species of many talents some including the ability to change color from emerald green to brown and tail autonomy. Although small, this species is incredibly fast and mighty which was proven on field trips when trying to catch them. Anoles are extremely territorial and sometimes will engage in combat to rid an intruder. The Carolina anole is also interesting because of the behavior they engage in during reproduction. To attract a female’s attention the male will often extend it’s dewlap, bob it’s head up and down, and even do a few pushups, a typical male one might say.
            The Carolina anole was even chosen as the first reptile to be sequenced for the genome sequencing program (National Human Genome Research Institute). In 2011 the entire genome was published in a scientific journal, Nature. During this time only a few species had been sequenced so this is a major accomplishment of the Carolina anole and many Herpetologists. The Carolina anole is a well-rounded reptile that should obviously be chosen as the mascot for the Herpetology class at the College of Charleston. Their bizarre behavior patterns, many talents, and fast speed make them an interesting and yet stunningly beautiful species. Watch out Clyde the Cougar we may have a new mascot on our hands!
  


Chelsea Taylor
College of Charleston