
Puerto rican giant anole
A species of Anoles, Also known as Cuvier's anole Scientific name : Anolis cuvieri Genus : Anoles
Puerto rican giant anole, A species of Anoles
Also known as:
Cuvier's anole
Scientific name: Anolis cuvieri
Genus: Anoles
Content
Description General Info


Description

Anolis cuvieri (Vernacular Spanish: lagarto verde, lagarto chipojo; Vernacular English: Puerto Rican giant anole, Cuvier's anole, green giant anole.) is a species of lizard endemic to Puerto Rico in the Dactyloidae family of the Squamata order. This reptile is common in the Toro Negro State Forest.

General Info

Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Puerto rican giant anole predominantly feed on flying insects, majorly Lepidoptera larvae and adults. Evolutionarily adapted to an arboreal lifestyle, they also demonstrate a substantial penchant for tree-dwelling arthropods.
Appearance
Puerto rican giant anole is a medium-sized lizard with a slender build and rough, scales-covered skin. Its main coloration is a striking green with lighter green and yellow patterns that better allow the reptile to blend into its environment. Males typically have a large, triangular dewlap - a flap of skin under their neck, which they display during courtship or territorial disputes. Unlike many other reptiles, there is no significant difference in the appearance of individuals due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Puerto rican giant anole is a diurnal species, primarily arboreal, exhibiting territoriality, especially among males. The males use visual displays of head-bobbing and body extensions to establish dominance and repel rivals. Puerto rican giant anole also shows remarkable adaptability by modulating body color for camouflage, assisting in avoiding predators within its typically forested habitat.
Population
Stable

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Anoles Genus
Anoles Species
Puerto rican giant anole