Hispaniolan Stout Anole

Range

Native to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, but introduced to extreme south Florida, as well as Suriname.

Habitats

A semi-arboreal species that is often found on rocks, trees, shrubs, fences, vines, and piles of green waste. In Florida, it lives in urban environments.

Identification

A stout-bodied anole named for the male's relatively large head. Females have smaller, more proportionate heads. Males have a solid central crest from the back of the head to the proximal tail, with a cleft at the point of the shoulders. They also have a large whitish dewlap and 2 light longitudinal lines down each side of the body. They often have undefined dark horizontal streaks across their back. Both sexes have a greyish-tan background coloration. Females are subtly patterned with a row of light diamonds down the center of the back. Like most anoles, they can adjust their shades of color to better match their surroundings.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians