Although the skin-scale microstructures of squamate reptiles are known to be highly adapted for habitat-specific functions, including protection, camouflage, and thermoregulation, the structural adaptations of the skin of the color-changing ectotherm Anolis carolinensis have not been systematically investigated. The scale microstructures across key body regions (head, dorsum, venter, tail, and hindleg) of A. carolinensis were meticulously examined using scanning electron microscopy. Statistical analyses were further conducted on the morphological types, density, and distribution of skin sense organs. The scales were predominantly irregular hexagons, although nearly circular scales were observed on the head. Scale area varied significantly across body regions, with the largest scales located on the tail (0.12 ± 0.02 mm²). The head and ventral scales were intermediate in size (0.09 ± 0.04 mm² and 0.09 ± 0.01 mm², respectively), while the dorsal and hindleg scales were the smallest (0.06 ± 0.01 mm² and 0.03 ± 0.01 mm², respectively). The distribution of cutaneous sensory organs was non-uniform across the body. In females, two morphotypes—hair-like and pillow-like sensory organs—were identified, with the former approximately 20 times more numerous. In contrast, male individuals possess only hair-like sensory organs. Moreover, the total number of these organs in males is less than that in females, accounting for approximately half of the total number of sensory organs in females. These organs, located adjacent to a raised median ridge on each scale, were more densely distributed on the head, venter, hindlegs, and tail (0-4 per scale) compared to the dorsum (0-1 per scale). This study details the adaptive microstructures of scales and sensory organs in A. carolinensis, providing key morphological insights into their interactions with the environment. Beyond deepening our knowledge of squamate integumentary adaptations, the work directly contributes to understanding the mechanistic basis of color change and thermoregulation. Furthermore, this study offers valuable insights for the development of novel biomimetic materials, such as adaptive camouflage systems.