Monday, August 27, 2007

Holy Anoles, Batman!

Living Wall update from Kevin "The Green Man" Songer at Avid Group:

I’ve been pleasantly surprised lately at the noticeable decrease in house flies around our back porch and the same with ants marching across our driveway (obnoxious fly trap bags have been tolerated by my wife, Judy – but really stink…hey – what else can you do with two dogs and a cat in the backyard). Much fewer flies though – so what changed? Walking daily past our recently installed Green Living Walls I was noticing an exponential increase in the abundance of lizards - Cuban Anoles or Anolis sagrei sagrei or to be precise.

Turns out that most lizards are ‘perch height’ acclimated – meaning the
more greenery and plants you have at the preferred perch height – the more
lizards you will have, and as a biologist/lawyer this made sense to me -wherever
the Green is so also will be the predators and prey. Examining the Living
Walls more closely I was amazed at just how many lizards, or anoles there were
perched among the leaves, waiting for the next fly to buzz by.

The organic Atomic Anoles beat out poisonous pesticides any day of the week
in my book, and though I understand Anoles are classified as an invasive species
– but much more tolerable than flies in my book. Got flies in Jacksonville? Then get a Green – living Wall & wait for the atomic pest controllers to arrive…….
Yet another reason to green up your walls. Thanks, Kevin.

1 comment:

Mary Tappouni said...

Kevin...thanks for bringing this up. As those of you who are familiar with LEED standards are aware, we are highly encouraged to introduce native plants, flowers, trees and habitat to attract wildlife, in both commerical and residential applications. The benefits are many, includuing the great results Kevin is witnessing in his own yard. I too, have a population of lizards in my yard and welcome them. They serve a great purpose and improve the quality of life at home. Plus, they are just plain cool. Love thy lizards!