You’re not misremembering! I grew up in Florida and my mother used to tell me the lizards would flock to me as a kid when I went outside. I had so much fun playing with them! This is a green anole and it is a southeast native. They are also sometimes referred to as American Chameleons for their color changing ability. Unfortunately they are becoming rarer and rarer as the brown anole, native to Cuba and the Caribbean, and other invasive species are outcompeting them. A few years ago I lived back in Florida and as I kept a natural lawn my yard became a safe haven for these little guys. Unfortunately Florida is a political and literal hellscape currently and I had to leave, but the lizards are the only thing I really miss. Thanks for sharing the memory with me :)
You’re not misremembering! I grew up in Florida and my mother used to tell me the lizards would flock to me as a kid when I went outside. I had so much fun playing with them! This is a green anole and it is a southeast native. They are also sometimes referred to as American Chameleons for their color changing ability. Unfortunately they are becoming rarer and rarer as the brown anole, native to Cuba and the Caribbean, and other invasive species are outcompeting them. A few years ago I lived back in Florida and as I kept a natural lawn my yard became a safe haven for these little guys. Unfortunately Florida is a political and literal hellscape currently and I had to leave, but the lizards are the only thing I really miss. Thanks for sharing the memory with me :)