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 Critter Highlight - Green Anole (Anolis carolinensys)
If you’ve ever spotted a small lizard basking on a fence or darting through your shrubs, chances are you’ve met the Green Anole! Slender and graceful, this little reptile has a narrow head and a long, delicate tail that can grow up to twice the length of its body.
One of its most fascinating features? Color change! A Green Anole can shift from bright leafy green to brown or gray-brown to blend in with its surroundings. While it’s often nicknamed a “chameleon,” it’s not a true chameleon—just a master of backyard camouflage.
During the breeding season, males put on quite a show. They extend a bright pink throat fan, called a dewlap, to communicate and impress. It’s like a tiny reptile billboard announcing, “I’m here!”
 Quick Green Anole Facts
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They thrive in areas with plenty of greenery, light shade, and moisture.
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They prefer trees and shrubs, but you’ll often see them on walls and fences—which earned them the nickname “fence lizard.”
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In Texas, they’re found throughout the eastern third of the state and are common across the southeastern United States.
Keep an eye out in your yard or local park—you might spot one soaking up the sun or blending perfectly into a leafy branch. The Green Anole is a small but fascinating reminder of the wildlife living right alongside us!
For more information about these and other animals, visit the student safe resource: TexQuest (Login needed)
Bring these fascinating reptiles into your classroom with a two-week checkout from the Learning Alive Cooperative Materials Center.
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Product Spotlight - Aquatic Science Specimens
This month's spotlight is on the Aquatic Science Specimens available in our eStore. These items are available for ANY classroom dissection project.
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Shark 18" - 22" All shark specimens are embalmed through caudal artery under pressure. Ideal size for dissection, sexually mature. Depending on availability, specimens may be either squalus dogfish or mustelus smooth-hound sharks.
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Clams 3" - 4"
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Sea Star (Starfish) (Asterias), Plain 4" - 6" Due to seasonal collecting, we will ship species most readily available.
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Grey Perch 9" - 12" Pomadasys macracanthus
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Squid 8" - 12" Phylum Mollusca (Mollusks), Class Cephelopoda
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Limited Edition Kits from the Barber Collection
 Butterfly Kit – Limited Edition Barber Collection
Celebrate the beauty and science of Lepidoptera with this stunning Butterfly Kit from the Limited Edition Barber Collection. Designed for both education and display, this comprehensive set showcases the life cycle, diversity, and anatomy of butterflies and moths through real specimens and richly illustrated resources.
Kit Highlights
Mounted Butterfly & Moth Collection
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A professionally displayed assortment of butterflies and moths from the United States and beyond
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Labeled specimens illustrating differences in wing shape, coloration, and family characteristics
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Includes both day-flying butterflies and nocturnal moth species for comparison
Large Feature Specimens
Life Cycle & Metamorphosis Materials
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Visual guides showing egg, larva (caterpillar), chrysalis, and adult stages
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Educational panels detailing complete metamorphosis
Reference Books & Educational Prints
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Caterpillars, Bugs and Butterflies (illustrated children’s guide)
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Butterfly Encyclopedia (comprehensive reference volume)
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Laminated species charts and identification guides
Photographic & Anatomy Displays
Educational Value
This limited-edition kit offers a hands-on exploration of:
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Insect anatomy and wing structure
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Camouflage and mimicry
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Pollination and ecological importance
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The process of complete metamorphosis
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Differences between butterflies and moths
Perfect for classroom instruction, nature centers, collectors, or entomology enthusiasts, the Butterfly Kit combines scientific study with artistic beauty—making it both a teaching tool and a conversation-worthy display piece.
Order through the Learning Alive Order Platform using keyword Limited Edition.
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Learning Alive. Where curiosity meets curriculum!
Upcoming Personal Development Opportunities
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SESSION #116384
LEARNING OFFSITE: HIGH-IMPACT MATH MASTERY:
ACTIVATING TEKS PROFICIENCY WITH HQIM AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
APRIL 8, 2026, 8:30 AM — 3:00 PM
COST: $150.00
FREE TO ELEVATE20 COOPERATIVES
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SAVE THE DATE
Upcoming Connect20 Sessions for Cooperative Members
This link has sessions that are 100% free for learning alive.
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Deliveries & Returns Information
Living materials are delivered weekly to schools within Region 20 by the ESC-20 Delivery Van. Schools outside of Region 20 that are not currently served by ESC-20 should contact their local Regional Service Center for delivery schedules and availability.
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