RE-134 CARIBBEAN ANOLES CONTENTS]

Foreword ............................................................................................................ 1
Systematic Considerations ............................................................................. 2
Where Do Anoles Live? .................................................................................. 5
Special Features ................................................................................................ 7
Masters of Their Domain ................................................................................ 8
Courtship, Breeding, and Rearing ............................................................... 10
Anole Species .................................................................................................. 14
Other Caribbean Anoles ............................................................................... 59

Originally published in German under the title Karibische Anolis by Terrarien Bibliothek,
Copyright 1990 by Herpetologischer FachverJag.

© Copyright 1995 by T.F.H. Publications, Inc. for English translation. A considerable amount
of new material, including but not limited to additional photographs, has been added to the
literal German-English translation. Copyright is also claimed for this new material.

© 1995 by T.F.H. Publications, Inc.

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FOREWORD 1

FOREWORD
The several hundred anole the "Caribbean anoles." We have been
species of the genus Anolis are keeping these lizards for many years
found in the New World from in our terraria and have been able to
southern North America to study various species in their natural
Paraguay and Bolivia. They are homes in the Caribbean. Here we
PHOTO BY JIM MERU.

particularly well represented in the treat about 20 species, some with

Caribbean, where virtually every numerous subspecies, that are the
island harbors different species. most likely to be noticed or collected
For decades anoles have been by interested vacationers and
among the most popular charges in terrarium keepers. Many are colorful,
our terraria. Unfortunately, others are drab, but all can give
published accounts of these lizards pleasure to their observers or
as a rule are limited to the most keepers. Anyone with an interest in
familiar species, such as the Green caring for and breeding anoles will
Anole (Anolis carolinensis) and the discover relevant information in this
Knight Anole (A. equestris). Other volume on managing anoles in the
anoles worthy of mention are terrarium.
discussed either incompletely or not Ralf Heselhaus and
at all. Matthias Schmidt, Muenster
This volume is devoted strictly to Translated by William Charlton
2 SYSTEMATIC CONSIDERATIONS

SYSTEMATIC CONSIDERATIONS
The most beautiful and interesting (Cydura comuta), resemble
lizards of the New World are members superficially the dinosaurs of bygone
of the iguanid family or superfamily eras in Earth's history.
Iguanidae or Iguanoidea, depending The iguanids, which are found
on your taxonomy. (We use the "old" mainly in the New World, are scarcely
classification of a single family here, distinguishable externally from the
but the iguanoids were broken into agamid lizards of the Old World. The
several families by Frost and safest distinguishing characteristic is
Etheridge in 1988; for a brief recap, the arrangement of the teeth. With
see the article by Walls in Tropical the iguanids the teeth are located on
the inner side of the jawbone; with
the agamids, on top of it.
Within the Iguanidae, usually five
subfamilies are distinguished. The
subfamily Anolinae includes, besides
the anoles, the following genera:
Anisolepis, Aptycholaemus,
Chamaeleolis, Chamaelinorops,
Cupriguanus, Diplolaemus, Enyalius,
Leiosaurus, Phenacosaurus,
Phrynosaura, Polychroides, Polychrus,
Tropidodactylus , Urostrophus, and
ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN.

Chamaelmorops barbouri.

Fish Hobbyist, Dec., 1991.) With

about 700 species in more than 50
genera, it is one of the most species-
rich lizard families . The large species,
like the familiar Green Iguana
(Iguana iguana), with a total length of
up to 2 meters, and the almost
equally large Rhinoceros Iguana
SYSTEMATIC CONSIDERATIONS 3
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.

ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN.

Xiphocercus. (Taxonomically inclined
hobbyists should note that under the
Chamaeleolls chamaeleomdes.
Frost and Etheridge system the
anoles fall into the family
Polychridae, an older name than
Anolinae. Additionally, many
specialists now split Anolis into a
variety of genera that are not
recognized here, especially the full
genus Norops.)
The anoles, with about 300 species
and almost as many subspecies, are
the largest genus of iguanids. Aside
from a few large species such as the
Knight Anole, Anolis equestris, and
the False Chameleon, Chamaeleolis
chamaeleonides, which can reach a
length of 50 and 35 cm (20 and 14
inches), respectively, as a rule anoles
are small to medium-sized lizards. As
tree-dwellers, most species are
characterized by a streamlined body,
a long tail, and robust legs with
adhesive pads on the toes.
4 WHERE DO ANOLES LIVE?

PHOTOS BY RALF HESELHAUS (TOP LEFT), MATIHIAS SCHMIDT (TOP RIGHT) , MATIHIAS SCHMIDT (BOTIOM ).
WHERE DO ANOLES LIVE? 5

WHERE DO ANOLES LIVE?

The range of the anoles extends PHOTO BY MATTHIAS SCHMIDT.

from the southern United States

across Central America and the
Caribbean islands to Paraguay and
Bolivia in tropical South America.
About 100 species, many with
several subspecies, live on the
Caribbean islands. This abundance
of species resulted from the
changes to the Caribbean island
world following the Ice Ages. The
rising water levels flooded many
islands, so that finally only the
mountains of the once-large islands
were retained as land masses.
Through the fragmentation of the
formerly continuous living space,
the original lizard fauna also was
fragmented. Separated from one
another as island forms, the lizards
developed in the course of evolution
into new species with special
requirements and capabilities.
On the large islands, the varied
landscape and plant communities
made possible the formation of
numerous anole species specialized
for certain microhabitats or diets; these could live side by side without
interference. On Cuba we find
about 40 species that are
distributed through various
ecological niches. The giant anoles,
such as the Knight Anole, are found
in the tops of the trees in the
rainforest. Because of their size,
they manage food animals that are
too large for smaller anoles to
handle.
The arboreal anoles, such as
Anolis porcatus, are medium sized
.',-, and live in the trunk region of the
trees, in taller shrubs, or on
houses. Finally, the grass anoles
such as Anolis alutaceus live in low
shrubs in fields and along roads. As
a rule, they are scarcely longer than
6 WHERE DO ANOLES LIVE?

10 cm (4 in) and feed on PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS .

small insects. Of the

Cuban anoles , Peters , an
expert in the group, in
1970 distinguished further
the group of the bark
anoles , Anolis loysiana,
and the gecko anoles,
Anolis bartschi. The gecko
anoles, in contrast to most
of the other species , live in
wet and shaded places,
such as in caves and
crevices.

Right: The Brown Anole , Ano/is

sagrei, is lord of its domain on Isla
de la Juventud, Cuba. Below:
Occupation of various ecological
niches used by certain Cuban
anoles.
SPECIAL FEATURES 7

SPECIAL FEATURES
Anoles are provided with several PHOTO BY GUIDO DINGERKUS.

special features that are not present

in most other iguanids. They seem to
have been equipped preferentially by
nature; not only do they have a
streamlined build and bright colors.
they also exhibit characters that
otherwise are confined to other lizard
families. For example. anoles. like the
geckos. have adhesive pads on their
feet and. like the chameleons. can
change their color.
The acrobatic life in the trees
demands yet another specialization of
the foot anatomy. To largely eliminate
the possibility of falling from airy
heights. anoles work with double
"safety nets." The middle toes are
enlarged and carry on the underside surfaces. With their unique climbing
transverse lamellae that provide a feet. anoles can move effortlessly and
secure hold on a smooth substrate. safely on both smooth leaves and
On the ends of the toes there are knotty tree bark.
claws to provide a hold on uneven The little anoles have also stolen
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS. something from the chameleons.
Some species. like Anolis carolinensis
and Anolis porcatus. are capable of an
amazing change in color. The lizards
can change their color in a matter of
minutes from light green to dark
brown. This ability is the reason why
the Green Anole also is called the
"American Chameleon."
Finally. one of the most
conspicuous characteristics is the
throat fan or dewlap that often is
present in both sexes. In males it
sometimes attains an astounding size
and can extend well behind the front
legs. Its signaling effect is increased
by bright colors. When excited.
anoles unfurl the dewlap with the aid
of the elongated hyoid cartilage and
erect it like a fan. accompanied by
vigorous head bobbing. The colorful
fan is used during mating and
territorial defense.
8 MASTERS OF THEIR DOMAIN

MASTERS OF THEIR DOMAIN

With rhythmic head bobbing and good experiences with the communal
erect throat fan, a male Anolis sag.rei care of Anolis sag rei and Anolis
threatens its neighbor: Don't come marmoratus speciosus. It has been
closer or there will be trouble. The reported that a pair of the "flat-
territorial fights of the males as a rule headed," generally green species such
are carried out from a distance. It is a as Anolis carolinensis and Anolis
question here of ritual fights in which porcatus can be kept successfully
the males, through ceremonial with a pair of "high-headed," usually
behaviors, stake their territorial brown species such as Anolis sag rei,
claims. Anolis sabanus, or Anolis lineatopus.
When two males battle at a This could be due to the different
distance of several meters with head territorial requirements and the
bobbing and swaying threat behavior different activity periods of the
as well as hoisting the brightly species. Whereas Anolis porcatus and
colored throat fan, they actually are Anolis carolinensis are purely diurnal
fighting over imaginary territorial and inhabit the upper levels of trees
boundaries. After a while one of the and shrubs, the more crepuscular
males withdraws slowly as the Anolis lineatopus stays predominantly
threatening behavior fades away. The in the lower trunk region.
test of strength from a distance ends Now there may well be terrarium
without the defeated rival coming to keepers who claim to keep six anoles
harm. of three species in their 50-cm (2-
In the terrarium the territorial foot) cage and have no problems at all
disputes do not always end so with aggreSSion. This may even be
benignly. The defeated male often true, since anoles kept under these
does not have the opportunity to get kinds of cramped conditions cannot
away from the victorious territory form territories at all and therefore do
owner. He is subject to stress, is not exhibit any territorial behavior.
constantly ready to take flight. and This overpopulation, however, is
finally even stops feeding. But we completely out of place with
must never let things get this far! appropriate keeping. Here less would
When keeping anoles together, it be more, particularly since anoles
must be kept in mind that normally exhibit the full range of their
we can only keep one pair in the interesting behavior only under
terrarium. In larger terraria it also is suitable environmental conditions.
possible to keep one male and several Finally, other terrarium animals
females. Close observation of all also can be kept in the anole
individuals soon shows whether any terrarium. An association with frogs
are being oppressed. If this is the and toads or with day geckos is
case, we must remove from the possible. Naturally, the demands of
terrarium any anole that is being the other terrarium animals must
picked on. also be considered. This sort of
If we want to keep together several association for ornamental purposes
species in a large terrarium, we alone, however, should be rejected by
should choose species of equal size the conscientious terrarium keeper
but different coloration. We have had for reasons of species protection.
Although many male Caribbean anoles have strong
territorial instincts, some , like this Brown Anole, Ana/is
sagrei, seem more amenable to sharing their captive
quarters. As a rule , however, you should get into the
habit of placing only one male into each enclosure
(unless, of course , the enclosure has a great deal of
space). Photo by R. D. Bartlett.
10 COURTSHIP, BREEDING, AND REARING

COURTSHIP, BREEDING,
AND REARING
PHOTO BY GUIDO DINGERKUS.
For anoles, as all other animals,
reproduction is one of the most
important tasks in life. During the
breeding season, which lasts several
months in many species, the male
anole uses all of his physical
attributes to impress the ladies.
When he spots a potential mate, the
male shows his best side. With body
raised high, he presents his colorful
throat fan, and vigorous head
bobbing betrays his inner excitement.
When the female tries to evade the
male's advances, the male frequently
chases her. The male anole
eventually catches his mate and tries
to grab the female's nape region with off. If the female indicates her
his mouth. If he is energetically readiness to mate by tolerating the
shaken off by the female, he backs male's advances, the nape biting soon
is followed by copulation. In the
PHOTO BY R. ALLAN WINSTEL.
following weeks the female becomes
increasingly plump, and a few weeks
after copulation she seeks out a
suitable place on the ground to lay
her clutch of one or two eggs. The
eggs are buried, for example, in moist
soil in a small hollow the female
excavates with her front legs.
Because the female smooths the
surface over, the site of egg-laying
sometimes remains hidden from the
keeper.
We can find many clutches,
however, if we carefully examine
suitable sites in the terrarium. The
first indication that we should start
our search is the presence of a
slender female again. When the eggs
are found, they should be taken from
the terrarium and transferred to a
prepared incubator. In so doing we
must make sure not to change the
position of the eggs, since in some
cases this can lead to the death of the
COURTSHIP, BREEDING, AND REARING 11
BOTH PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GILROY.

embryos. Small transparent plastic

boxes with ventilation slits in the
cover, such as are available in some
pet shops, make suitable incubation
containers. Fill a box or small
aquarium a fourth full of water and
place a brick on the bottom, the
surface sticking out of the water. On
top of the brick place the incubator
with the eggs. Cover the incubator
with a pane of glass placed at a slant
so that water cannot drip on the eggs.
The incubator itself consists of a
small hard plastic box filled with
about 5 cm (2 in) of substrate. A
suitable substrate is a mixture of
peat and sand or, better yet,
vermiculite, which can retain
moisture for a very long time and
release it slowly. The substrate
should be moistened to saturation
without creating standing water. The
eggs are put in small hollows such
that the top side is above the
substrate. During the period of
maturation, a temperature of 25 to
28°C (77 to 82°F) should be
maintained in the incubator. Be sure
the substrate remains moist
throughout incubation.
Once a young anole has hatched,
an exciting period of rearing begins
for the terrarium keeper. The initially
tiny anole must be well fed. Freshly
12 COURTSHIP, BREEDING, AND REARING
PHOTOS BY RAlF HESElHAUS (TOP) AND PAUL FREED (BOTTOM). hatched Green Anoles are only
5 to 6 cm (2 to 2.5 in) long.
The youngsters are placed
individually in prepared small
terraria, such as plastic
containers with ventilation
surfaces in the cover and on
one side. The "solitary
confinement" is necessary
because of the aggressiveness
COURTSHIP, BREEDING, AND REARING 13

present even in young anoles. The preparation. Many brands are

rearing cage can have spartan available at your pet shop . Th ese
furnishings, but small twigs and a preparations can safely be
few shoots of Scindapsus should be administered daily. A daily
present to serve as climbing facilities illumination of the young anoles with
and shelter for the baby anoles. At fUll-spectrum light of the proper type
first a piece of foam rubber, cut to fit at the correct distance (see your pet
the bottom and kept constantly shop) is recommended but is not
moist, makes a suitable substrate. absolutely necessary if adequate
Youngsters of the small species are amounts of vitamins are provided .
fed at first with Drosophila (fruitflies) The young anoles should not be
and freshly hatched crickets. With kept too cold at night. Not letting the
the larger species, like the Knight temperature at night fall below 25°C
Anole, the youngsters are already 12 (77°F) prevents deadly colics or
cm (5 in) long on hatching and cramps in the youngsters. The
manage medium-sized insects from cramps may result from poorly
the start. Some sweets (honey) are digested food at too-low
taken readily by young anoles. temperatures, as we have been able
Drinking water is sprayed daily on a to confirm in our own terraria.
leaf or on a side of the rearing cage, With appropriate attentiveness, it
without spraying the anoles in the will be easy to rear healthy and
process. robust anoles that can in turn
The food animals must be dusted produce offspring when they reach
regularly with a vitamin-calcium sexual maturity.
PHOTO BY ISABELLE FRANCAIS. COURTESY OF MARK B. ROBERTSON .
14 ANOLE SPECIES

ANOLE SPECIES
Juventud. the "island of youth"
(formerly Isle of Pines), is the second
largest island but is only 40 km (24
mil long.
Description: Anolis alutaceus. with
a total length of 10 to 11 cm (4 in), is
one of the smallest anoles. The very
slender anoles. brown with a
sprinkling of light spots. display a
light stripe on the side. Another faint
stripe extends from the lips to the
external ear opening. The ventral side
is beige-white. In contrast to this
plain coloration is the rather large
throat fan with its bright yellow color.
Range and habitat: Anolis
alutaceus is widely distributed on
Cuba. The little iguanids are
abundant on the Isla de la Juventud.
where they perch on thin twigs in low
bushes along the sides of the road.
Because of their brown ground color.
Anolis alutaceus, Cuban they are hard to detect at first.
Grass Anole particularly since when they are
The "Sugar Island" of Cuba is approached they slide around the
home to at least 41 species of twig and become "invisible."
anoles and is a center of Care in the terrarium: Despite
distribution for the Caribbean the small size of Anolis alutaceus.
anoles. This abundance of species we must not choose too small a
probably is the result of the size of terrarium and should offer a height
the island and its diversity of and width of at least 60 cm (24 in).
landforms. With a length of 1200 Because these anoles are quite
km (720 mi), Cuba is the largest sensitive to stuffy air. the terrarium
Caribbean island. In the high must be equipped with sufficiently
mountains (up to 2000 m. 6600 ft) large ventilation openings.
we find a variety of zones of The recommended furnishings
vegetation. In the western part of include. besides thin branches. a
the island a hot and humid tropical planting with small palms. long-
climate prevails. with abundant leafed bromeliads. and Scindapsus.
rainfall in the summer months. The temperatures should reach 30°C
whereas the east during the dry (86°F) locally (spotlight); at night the
season exhibits more of a savannah temperature can drop to 22°C (72°F).
climate. Through daily spraying the humidity
Besides the main island. Cuba is raised to 90 percent temporarily.
consists of a large number of smaller but during the day the terrarium
islands. the majority of which are must be able to dry out completely
uninhabited by man. Isla de la again.
ANOLE SPECIES 15
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.
Anolis alutaceus should be fed a
varied assortment of vitamin-
enhanced small insects. Regular
exposure to ultraviolet radiation is
beneficial to the anoles' health.

Anolis bartschi, Cuban Cave

Anole
Description: Anolis bartschi. with
a total length of 27 cm (10.8 in), is
one of the medium-sized anoles;
females. at a length of about 20 cm (8
in), are distinctly smaller than males.
There are brown. gray. creamy yellow.
and pale blue varieties; the anoles are
not exactly colorful, but they are very
attractively colored. In addition to the
brown ground color. Anolis bartschi
displays gray saddle-shaped blotches
on the back and scattered cream-
yellow. irregular vertical stripes on
the sides. Anolis bartschi is at its
most beautiful when excited and in
subdued light. The lower eyelids and
adjoining head region up to the ear
opening then are a splendid bluish
violet. and the remaining markings
on the body also take on a greater
contrast.
The females are altogether plainer;
on the gray-brown dorsal coloration
they display three dirty white.
repeatedly interrupted longitudinal cave anoles primarily hunt at night.
stripes. one in the middle of the back In the terrarium. on the other hand.
and two others on the sides. they prove to be diurnal.
Juveniles are the same color as Care in the terrarium: The
females until they reach sexual specific requirements of Anolis
maturity. bartschi are met in the terrarium by
The skin appears translucent and trying to mimic a rocky cave wall.
velvety. The throat fan of Anolis Suitable rocks like limestone or
bartschi is conspicuously small. dolomite are layered against the back
When erected it is only half the size of wall. resulting in a fissured rock wall.
the head. Branches and plants in the
Range and habitat: Anolis bartschi foreground provide additional places
occurs exclUSively in western Cuba in to climb and act as visual barriers.
the province of Pinar del Rio. It is The substrate. a mixture of peat
found there in caves and crevices in and sand. should be kept constantly
the limestone prevalent in the moist to achieve a suffiCiently high
biotope. and into which the anoles relative humidity of 75 to 85 percent.
withdraw at higher temperatures. The The anoles can obtain their drinking
16 ANOLE SPECIES

water through daily spraying. The during the mating season, it is

diet consists of the usual insect food, advisable to separate pregnant
which should be fortified regularly females from the males. Keeping this
with minerals and vitamins. species with other anoles, such as
The successful breeding of Anolis Anolis sagrei, Anolis luciae, Anolis
bartschi has been reported. The distichus, or Anolis porcatus, seems
anoles were kept in pairs in a 65 X 50 beneficial because the ready-to-mate
X 30 cm (26 X 20 X 12 in) glass males can be diverted in this manner,
terrarium that was illuminated by which is to the benefit of the females.
two fluorescent bulbs for 11 to 16 The clutch, which usually consists
hours as well as with a 20-watt UV-A of a single egg, in the terrarium was
fluorescent tube for about three covered only slightly with peat under
hours a day. The temperature varied volcanic limestone. At temperatures
between 20 and 28°C (68 and 82°F) between 22 and 28°C (72 and 82°F),
and was up to 35°C (95°F) in the the young hatched in the incubator
vicinity of an incandescent bulb after 60 to 70 days. The young were
hanging in the terrarium. reared individually in small, planted
terraria. The young anoles took
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR PAWS.
young crickets and waxworms
fortified with vitamins and minerals.
The captive-bred anoles were
sexually mature at 12 to 15 months.

Anolis bimaculatus
bimaculatus
Description: Anolis bimaculatus
bimaculatus is a very attractively
colored anole. The dorsal side is
grassy green to moss green with a
pattern of black dots or specks. From
the snout to the ear opening extends
a yellow stripe that continues slightly
displaced beyond the shoulder and
ends abruptly at the height of the
elbow. The male exhibits an erectile
crest in the OCCipital region that
continues as a low, non-serrated
dorsal crest. The male displays the
OCCipital and dorsal crests, as well as
the green or yellow, white-spotted
throat fan , only when excited. Adult
Anolis bimaculatus bimaculatus grow
The cue for the start of to a size of 30 cm (12 in) or more in
reproductive activity in May and June the males; females reach a length of
may be exposure to sunshine in the only 20 cm (8 in).
spring. The courtship behavior is not Range and habitat: Anolis
very pronounced, and copulation bimaculatus bimaculatus occurs in
follows immediately after prior the Lesser Antilles (St. Christopher,
intervals of head bobbing. Because St. Eustatius, NeviS) . As an arboreal
the males chase the females actively species, the anole primarily inhabits
ANOLE SPECIES 17
PHOTO BY DAVID GREEN.
tall palms in secondary forest.
Anolis gingivinus and Anolis
sabanus, often considered subspecies
of bimaculatus in the older literature,
were raised to species status by
specialists in Caribbean anole
taxonomy. We agree with this
interpretation, so the only remaining
subspecies recognized is the brown-
to gray-marked Anolis bimaculatus
leachi, which is native to Antigua and
Barbuda.
Care in the terrarium: We should
take into account the need of Anolis
bimaculatus bimaculatus for a life in
airy heights. In the terrarium, a cage
height of at least one meter and an
appropriate furnishing with tall-
growing plants, such as yuccas, is
adequate. The anoles prefer a well-
lighted and well-ventilated terrarium
with temperatures of 30°C (86°F)
during the day (about 23°C, 73°F at
night). Through daily spraying we
achieve the required high humidity
and meet the water requirements of
the anoles. Anolis bimaculatus
bimaculatus readily accepts green
insects as well as smaller lizards!

Anolis carolinensis, Green

Anole
Description: The most familiar
anole is doubtless the Green Anole.
Whole generations of terrarium
keepers have enjoyed this pretty,
graceful arboreal lizard and have also
bred it regularly. The Green Anole
displays a bright green coloration
that is interrupted only by a light,
jagged dorsal stripe or subdued small
spots in some individuals. The ability
to change in seconds from green to
brown with a change in mood has
given the Green Anole the name
"American Chameleon." Males
possess a pink throat fan with white
scales. The fan is extended when the
anole is excited, such as during
courtship or in territorial defense.
18 ANOLE SPECIES
ANOLE SPECIES 19
Males grow up to 22 cm (8.8 in) long; (68 and 82°F) and moderate
females are slightly smaller. humidity. Green Anoles from the
Range and habitat: Anolis Florida Keys can be kept at higher
carolinensis occurs primarily in the humidity and higher temperatures.
southeastern United States, and only Particularly for breeding, a two-
at the southern limit of the range month hibernation at temperatures
does the species nearly reach the between 15 and 20°C (59 and 68°F) is
Caribbean realm, occurring in the necessary. The anoles eat little during
Florida Keys. Related species (once this time, but must be provided
considered subspecies or introduced regularly with water.
populations of the Green Anole) occur The breeding season begins as a
in the Bahamas and Cuba. Green rule a few weeks after the end of
Anoles inhabit bushes and deciduous hibernation. The male approaches
PHOTO BY R. T. ZAPPALORTI.

trees and, as followers of civilization, the female with fully extended throat
are also found in houses, stables, fan and announces his intentions
and gardens. with vigorous head bobbing. Mter the
Care in the terrarium: Anolis male has bitten the female's nape,
carolinensis should be kept in pairs- copulation takes place.
or one male with two females-in The pregnancy of the female lasts
medium-sized terraria of about 80 X two to three weeks. Then she buries
50 X 50 cm (height X width X depth), her clutch of two eggs in damp soil. If
32 X 20 X 20 in. Specimens from the you are able to find the laying site,
southeastern United States need transfer the clutch, taking care to
temperatures between 20 and 28°C maintain the eggs' original
20 ANOLE SPECIES

orientation, to an incubator. The an olive green with pale spots. The

young, which are 6 cm (2.4 in) long at massive head with well-developed jaw
first, hatch after about 40 days. We musculature indicates that the giant
put them individually in small rearing anole can deliver a hard bite. The big
cages. The baby anoles are fed eyes are covered by attractive eyelids
Drosophila, small waxworms, and with black and green markings. The
other small insects that we dust throat fan, which is present in both
regularly with a vitamin preparation. sexes, in the erect state attains twice
PHOTO COURTESY OF FOUR PAWS.
the size of the head in the male. The
throat fan is yellow in the male,
yellow-green in the female.
Both sexes exhibit a serrated
dorsal crest that is more strongly
developed in the male. Males also
exhibit a wavy fold of skin on the tail.
Range and habitat: Anolis cuvieri
comes from Puerto Rico and the
neighboring Virgin Islands. There
they inhabit the trunk and crown
region of large trees at a height of
several meters. The preferred biotope
is shade trees in coffee plantations,
but today they also are found in large
trees around hotels.
Care in the terrarium: Anolis
cuvieri needs roomy, well-ventilated
cages starting at a height of 1 meter
(39 in). The humidity should be 70-
80 percent and the temperature
about 28°C (82°F) during the day,
with a slight nocturnal cooling. The

Anolis cuvieri, Puerto Rican

Giant Anole
Description: Anolis cuvieri, along
with Anolis equestris and Anolis
ncordi, ranks among the giants of its
genus. Males reach a total length of
almost 40 cm (16 in); females remain
slightly smaller.
This impressive anole is a
handsome light green; only when it is
out of sorts does the color change to PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.
ANOLE SPECIES 21

furnishings consist of slanting coloration of the throat fan, although

branches shaded by large-leafed it has been pOinted out that
plants and pieces of bark. Besides specimens with differently colored
large insects, we can also feed throat fans can occur in the same
vitamin-enriched beef heart in order population. Because females also
to satisfY the voracious lizards. A 12- possess throat fans, the sexes can be
cm (4.8-in) juvenile hatched in the distinguished only on the basis of the
terrarium following an incubation PHOTO COURTESY OF HAGEN.
period of 95 days at temperatures of
20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F). The initially
brown youngster grew to 19 cm (7.6
in) in 15 weeks and slowly took on
the green adult coloration.

Anolis equestris, Knight

Anole
Description: The Knight Anole,
with a total length of more than 40
cm (16 in), is one of the giants among
the anoles. Because of its impressive
TlflMIMETRf
appearance and relative ease of IIRIIINUtA
keeping, it has been a permanent GIAnI ICRUll
~"'20'C.q'C
guest in our terraria for many years.
The massive, strongly compressed
"alligator head" and the robust legs
-----
I ~~

----
_ _III,.....
with sturdy claws identifY the Knight
Anole as a tree-dweller. Currently
eight subspecies are recognized, but
there are indications that other
subspecies may be worth naming.
The subspecies differ primarily in the

thickened base of the tail and the

broader head of the male.
As a rule, Knight Anoles exhibit a
bright green to dark green dorsal
coloration. In many specimens the
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS. skin between the scales shows
22 ANOLE SPECIES
 ANOLE SPECIES 23
through as yellow or light green, so kept suffiCiently moist and the cage is
that the coloration can appear sprayed with water once a day.
mottled. The eyes have a dark mask. Because Anolis equestris drinks a lot,
From the base of the front leg runs a we must take this requirement into
light yellow lateral stripe that ends account and offer the Knight Anoles
before the middle of the body. Males lots of water, if necessary by means of
in particular exhibit a low, serrated a pipette. The terrarium should be well
dorsal crest. ventilated. In terraria with little air
PHOTO BY R. D. BARTLETI.

Range and habitat: The Knight movement, temporary ventilation can

Anole has been introduced into Florida be achieved with a small fan. In the
from its original range in Cuba. The upper parts of the terrarium, with the
U.S. population scarcely differs from aid of fluorescent tubes and a
the Cuban populations. As an spotlight, the required temperatures of
unexcelled tree-dweller, the Knight Anole 28 to 30°C (82 to 86°F) are easily
lives in the tops of tall trees. Juveniles, achieved. At night the terrarium can
however, occasionally are found in the cool to about 20°C (68°F).
lower parts of trees and in tall shrubs. Despite the relatively simple care,
Care in the terrarium: For the the Knight Anole seldom has been
large Knight Anoles, despite their very bred in the terrarium, though some
sluggish habits, only roomy terraria success with specimens kept in
starting at a height of 100 cm (39 in) greenhouses has been achieved.
will suffice. The furnishings should Successful breeders have fed their
consist of sturdy branches partially anoles with various insects, baby
covered by large-leafed plants, such as mice, earthworms, and beef heart once
philodendrons, to provide hiding or twice a week. The food animals were
places for the anoles. A water dish can enriched with minerals and vitamins
be dispensed with if the substrate is once a week.
24 ANOLE SPECIES
PHOTO COURTESY OF HAGEN.
extremus is native to the island of
Barbados, where it is abundant in
many different habitats. It was
introduced from Barbados to St.
Lucia and is found there primarily in
the western part of the island. The
anoles are particularly abundant in
the vicinity of the capital of Castris
and its environs. Anolis extremus
lives on St. Lucia in slightly moist
biotopes and prefers large, thick
hedges and trees, where the anoles
like to seek out sunny places.
Care in the terrarium: Large,
well-ventilated, and well-lighted
terraria are suitable for keeping
Anolis extremus. The anoles need
sturdy climbing branches and foliage
that is not too thick, so that both
basking sites and cooler places in the
shade are present. Daytime
temperatures of 30°C (86°F) and a
humidity of up to 85 percent are
The clutch of one or two eggs is preferred by these anoles.
buried in the substrate. One breeder
placed the eggs in fibrous peat moss
and matured them in an incubator at
temperatures of 18 to 24°C (65 to
75°F). The youngsters, initially 12 cm
(4.8 in) long, hatched after 72 to 92
days. Rear the young individually and
give them large doses of vitamins and
calcium. After about 15 to 18
months, the young Knight Anoles
reach sexual maturity.

Anolis extremus
Description: The males,
apprOximately 20 cm (8 in) long, are a
rich green on the legs and tail. The
head area is dark blue to black, and
the back is a pale blue-gray on which
numerous dark blue to black specks
are distributed. The throat fan is
dark orange and exhibits small black
spots. The females (about 12 cm, 4.8
in) are brownish green and exhibit
dark brown spotted or striped
markings and a light dorsal stripe.
Range and habitat: Anolis PHOTO BY R. D. BARTLETI.
ANOLE SPECIES 25
Anolis garmani, Jamaican PHOTO COURTESY OF FLUKER FARMS.

Anole
Description: Anolis gannani is one
of the larger anole species. Males
attain a tutallength of up to 35 cm
(14 in); at 26 cm (10.4 in), the
females are clearly smaller. The
Jamaican Anole is a pretty leaf-green
on the dorsal side; the belly is white.
When excited the anoles display
brown vertical stripes in the green
dorsal coloration. At night the dorsal
side darkens to brown.
Males possess a large, yellow
throat fan and a serrated crest that
begins with tall spikes on the nape,
becomes lower on the back, and gets
higher again on the tail. In contrast
to the females, the males can be
distinguished by the enlarged
postanal scales.
Range and habitat: Anolis
gannani lives on Jamaica. In the
lowlands the anoles live in isolated,
tall trees and bamboo, whereas in
uplands they are found in forests. By feeding crickets a high-calcium diet, you
The species has been introduced into will enhance their nutritional value to your
southern Florida. anoles as well. Enriched cricket foods are
Care in the terrarium: On available in many pet sho~s.
account of its size and at times
pronounced nervousness, Anolis gannani needs roomy terraria with a
height of at least 100 cm (39 in). As
furnishings we can use a large
rootstock of resinous bog wood,
which with its bizarre branching
offers the anoles ample opportunity
to climb. A cork cylinder reaching to
the top of the terrarium and large-
leafed plants like philodendrons
round out the furnishings. The air
temperature should be about 30°C
(86°F) during the day and 22°C (72°F)
at night, with a humidity of about 80
percent.
Anolis gannani can be bred
successfully under suitable terrarium
conditions. The clutch of two eggs is
ready to hatch after about 60 days at
20 to 26°C (68 to 79°F). The freshly
PHOTO BY R D. BARTLETI. hatched young are 7.5 cm (3 in) long
26 ANOLE SPECIES
PHOTO BY R. D. BARTLETI.

and display a brown ground color With a total length of 18 cm (7.2

with crossbands. The parents can in) in males and 14 cm (5.6 in) in
develop cannibalistic cravings for females. Anolis gingivinus is one of
their young. therefore rearing should the smaller species. Males have a
take place in separate small cages. yellow throat fan with light spots. and
when excited they can erect a small
Anolis gingivinus fold of skin on the nape and the
Description: Anolis gingivinus is proximal part of the back.
today classified as an independent Range and habitat: Anolis
species. although formerly it was gingivinus is native to the Lesser
considered to be a subspecies of Antilles. It inhabits the islands of St.
Anolis bimaculatus. Anolis gingivinus Martin. St. Barthelemy. Anguilla. and
is more plainly colored: on the light Sombrero. where it is said to occur in
brown to brownish gray ground color. trees and near the coast on rocks
the anoles exhibit washed-out dark sprayed by sea water. As a follower of
brown markings over the entire civilization. it is found in the vicinity
dorsal side. including the flanks and of human habitation.
the legs. On the side there is a dirty Care in the terrarium: Anolis
white lateral stripe that ends at the gingivinus is kept in medium-sized
hind legs. terraria with a height of at least 80
ANOLE SPECIES 27
cm (32 in). The anoles need PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.
~poo-~I1!"""!!'-""1111111
temperatures above 30°C (86°F), as in
the vicinity of an incandescent bulb
or spotlight, but it can cool to about
23°C (73°F) at night. Through daily
spraying we achieve the required
relative humidity of 70 to 80 percent.
Because of the small size of Anolis
gingivinus, we should offer small food
insects (meadow plankton,
Drosophila) .

Anolis griseus
Description: With a total length of
up to 35 cm (14 in), Anolis griseus is
a very large anole. The lizards, apart
from the short and compressed head,
have a slender build and
conspicuously long legs. The ground
color is a grayish brown and can take
on slightly olive shades.
Characteristic of Anolis griseus is a
light lateral stripe set off by small
dark spots, as well as a short white
stripe above the front legs. In the
nape region the anoles exhibit small,
irregularly arranged black specks.

The throat and the neck region are

pale yellowish. Males and females
have a gray throat fan with yellow or
orange blotches and shadings.
Females are similar in coloration to
the males but are easy to distinguish
from them by their smaller size.
Range and habitat: Anolis griseus
is distributed throughout St. Vincent,
but it is particularly abundant in the
Kingstown Botanical Garden and in
the Mesopotamian Valley. The anoles
are found in large and tall trees,
where they prefer to stay in the
treetops.
Care in the terrarium: Anolis
griseus needs a very large terrarium,
in which the anoles are kept in pairs.
The terrarium should be sparsely
decorated with a few branches and
ARTWORK BY JOHN R QUINN . plants, but nevertheless should offer
28 ANOLE SPECIES
PHOTO COURTESY OF ENERGY SAVERS.

Providing Caribbean anoles with the correct photoperiod (day/night cycle) is very important.
Photoperiod often is a factor in determining a herp's behavior. Bulbs designed specifically for the
keeping of reptiles and amphibians now are available at many pet shops .

sufficient hiding places. Anolis exhibits small black spots. Females

griseus inhabits the same living are predominantly light brown and
space as Anolis trinitatis and should exhibit a pattern of dark spots or
be treated in the same way. Because stripes.
Anolis griseus also manages fairly Range and habitat: Anolis luciae
large food animals, it should not be inhabits extensive parts of St. Lucia,
kept with smaller lizards. though largely absent from the
Breeding is easy. About 45 days south-central area. Particularly
after copulation the female lays two popular living spaces are in the
eggs in the substrate. After about 50 viCinity of villages and in hotel
days the almost 8-cm (3.2-inJ young gardens. The populatioh density is
hatch. They are easy to rear. often so high that the anoles occur in
virtually every tree and bush. A large
Anolis luciae tree is home, as a rule, to one adult
Description: With a total length of male, several juvenile males, and ten
23 cm (9.2 in), Anolis luciae is a or more females. The biotopes are
medium-sized anole. The anoles are relatively arid and windy.
able to undergo an extensive change Care in the terrarium: A well-lit
in color, so that a yellow, brownish and sparsely furnished terrarium is a
gray, b lack, or dark green ground prerequisite for keeping Anolis luciae.
color may be present. The legs often The decorations should consist of
exhibit a slight blue tint. The throat thick branches and pieces of bark
fan is grayish white with a narrow adorned by robust plants. Anolis
b lack margin and occasionally luciae needs daytime temperatures of
ANOLE SPECIES 29
ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN. archipelago. At an altitude of 1467
meters, Basse-Terre towers over the
low-lying eastern section of Grande-
Terre. In regard to climate, as well,
the wet Basse-Terre and the arid
Grande-Terre represent two distinct
zones. The two parts of the island,
connected only by a narrow land
bridge, each have a surface area of 40
X 25 kilometers. Six of the 11 Anolis
mannoratus forms live here on the
main island.

Anolis mannoratus alliaceus

Description: These very
attractively marked anoles at times
display clear differences in color
distribution. The ground color
consists of a rich and dark green,
Ana/Is /uGlae. with no trace of the blue suffusion in
the tail region often present in the
about 30°C (86°F) and nocturnal other Anolis marmoratus forms. On
cooling to 25°C (77°F). The humidity the head region, which is more of a
should be maintained at between 60 brownish green, there are blackish
and 80 percent. For a breeding blue spots that can extend over the
group, a sex ratio of one male to three back to the tail region. The dark
females is recommended. With good spots, all of which have cream-yellow
and ample feeding-Anolis luciae is margins, are so prevalent in some
especially fond of small insects such specimens that they can run into one
as Drosophila-this species is not
hard to breed.
The range of 11 subspecies of Anails
marmaratus. plus the closely related A
Anolis mannoratus group ferreus.
Between Dominica and Montserrat,
in the northern section of the Lesser
Antilles, lies the Guadeloupe
Archipelago belonging to France. A
total of 11 subspecies of the Anolis
mannoratus group inhabits the island
of Guadeloupe as well as various
smaller surrounding islands. Of
these, the larger islands of nes des
Saintes, Marie-Galante, and La
Desirade are of special interest. The
main island of Guadeloupe is divided
into two clearly separated regions.
Basse-Terre, the western part of the ~ Me'. m ...lIN;jII tl"lF AnQIis II/l'T1IIII' • MoIllft ,"An'f!O~:. .

• _m........ • ..... m_
.

MSI
island, has a strongly mountainous Anf,lI"tll.o.fY_

• AnGlIM. ~"'"ua • AnoIIa" 1PtO-0IuI

character with active volcanoes that ~ AMII$I'"I.~'" . . "fIOMl'III. • 'fIMI:.!I

point to the geologic origin of the

30 ANOLE

1 2

5 4

Dorsal markings of various Ano/is marmoratus female.s.

1) Anolis m. girafus . .
2) Ano/is m. chrysops
3) Anolis m. caryae
4) Anolis m. alliaceus
5) Anolis m. desiradei
ANOLE SPECIES 31
another in the head, nape, and back very specific requirements. The
regions, so that the anoles appear temperatures in the terrarium should
uniformly black in those areas. As a be between 22 and 25°C (72 and
rule, the dark spots are distributed 77°F) during the day, cooling slightly
from the head region to the middle of at night to about 18 to 20°C (65 to
the body, but some specimens exhibit 68°F). Anolis marmoratus aHiaceus
only a spot in the shoulder region. tolerates high humidity for fairly long
Anolis marmoratus aHiaceus has a periods of time, but dry sections
dark orange throat fan with yellow- always should be present in the
green shading. Also characteristic are terrarium.
two dark brown stripes extending Corresponding to the luxuriant
through the eye and along the lower plant growth in the rainforest, the
jaw. The ability to change color is terrarium should be thickly planted.
limited to a darkening of the ground Anolis marmoratus aWaceus soon
color, so that the cream-yellow loses its shyness in captivity and,
margins of the speckling stand out despite numerous hiding places, will
even more strongly in contrast. The often show itself.
males are fully grown at a body
length of 7.5 cm (3 in); the anoles Anolis marmoratus caryae
reach a total length of more than 22 Description: The ground color of
cm (8.8 in). Females are marked with this anole is a pale green, and the
pale green and exhibit distinct dorsal head, nape, and adjoining back are
markings. The sides, with their small covered with a fine speckling, so that
light and dark spots, stand out from these areas take on a light gray
the dorsal markings. shade. The belly is yellowish green.
Range and habitat: This form lives The whitish coloration of the chin
exclusively in the central highlands, and the throat is continued in a
the rainforests of Basse-Terre, at lateral stripe of the same color. The
altitudes between 600 and 900 m. neck region is cream-colored and the
Anolis marmoratus aHiaceus prefers throat fan is a rich yellow. The
the tops of the up to 40-meter-high, maximum body length is 7.5 cm (3
epiphyte-covered trees. As a result of in), and the total length is up to 22
the relatively limited food supply in cm (8.8 in). Females are pale gray-
this region, the population density is green. They display pronounced
rather low. In contrast to this are the dorsal markings and have a lateral
areas where the rainforest borders stripe that is bordered on both sides
small settlements. Next to cattle by a fine dark speckling.
pastures, which are fenced in by Range and habitat: Anolis
thickly planted yucca trunks, Anolis marmoratus caryae lives on the
marmoratus aHiaceus finds optimal islands Iles des Saintes and Terre-de-
living conditions. The dense growth of Bas, where the anoles also inhabit, in
plants offers excellent places to hide addition to the arid regions,
and, as a result of the cattle manure somewhat wetter regions. The idyllic
drawing insects, favorable feeding islands also have tall-grOwing stands
places. The anoles that occur in these of trees as well as rather extensive
places in great numbers look palm groves that form the habitat of
correspondingly robust and well- this subspecies.
nourished. Care in the terrarium: Anolis
Care in the terrarium: As a purely marmoratus caryae should not be
upland form, this anole naturally has kept in a damp terrarium. Although
32 ANOLE SPECIES
the anoles tolerate high humidity for The males of Anolis mannoratus
short periods of time, they cannot do chrysops have a rich yellow throat
so in the long run. Therefore, Anolis fan with a few pale yellow patches
mannoratus caryae, like all other and reach a total length of 20 cm (8
subspecies of Anolis mannoratus of in) or more. The ground color of the
the satellite islands around female is gray and is broken up only
Guadeloupe, should be kept in a well- by faint suggestions of dark
ventilated terrarium that can, longitudinal stripes on the back and
however, safely be sprayed once a a short stripe on the side. The belly
day. Large ventilation openings is yellow.
should provide for rapid drying of the Range and habitat: Anolis
dampness and therefore for an mamwratus chrysops lives on the
optimal microclimate in the islands of Iles de Petite Terre, Terre-
terrarium. de-Haut, and Terre-de-Bas southeast
of Guadeloupe. Anolis mannoratus
Anolis marmoratus chrysops chrysops is also subject to special
Description: Anolis mamwratus conditions in its natural habitat: the
chrysops is a dark gray-green on the small and flat islands are strongly
body. The sides display areas of influenced by the trade winds. Low-
yellow, and the belly is bright yellow. growing vegetation and an arid
The anoles exhibit speckling in the climate are typical.
nape and dorsal region. Like Anolis Care in the terrarium: Anolis
mannoratus desiradei, Anolis mamwratus chrysops under no
mannoratus chrysops also displays circumstances will tolerate high
red coloration in the neck region, humidity in conjunction with poor air
which also has a small yellow circulation. With this subspecies we
component, and a brownish gray need a terrarium with large
head. On the other hand, the blue- ventilation surfaces to prevent the
gray chin region points to a kinship stagnant air that is deadly to the
with Anolis ferreus from the anoles. The temperatures should be
neighboring island of Marie-Galante. about 28°C (82°F) during the day and
22°C (72°F) at night. The humidity
can briefly (after spraying) attain
values above 80 percent.

Anolis marmoratus desiradei

Description: The ground color of
the male is a pale green with a
yellowish suffusion on the sides.
Characteristic are numerous dark
grayish brown patches in the dorsal
region and on the legs. Because of
the absence of markings on the
flanks, a light stripe is suggested.
The ventral side is uniformly yellow.
The head region is a rich brown,
which turns to an intense rusty red
in the neck region and stands out
in clear contrast to the greenish
PHOTO COURTESY OF ENERGY SAVERS. I ground color. The throat fan is
ANOLE SPECIES 33
ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN .
Anolis (mannoratus) ferreus
Description: Anolis ferreus,
formerly known as Anolis mannoratus
ferreus, is a particularly robust and
large anole. Fully grown males reach
a total length of 35 cm (14 in).
Females, on the other hand, are
distinctly smaller. Male Anolis fe rre us
have a predominantly gray-brown
ground color. The sides of the anoles,
in particular, are often yellowish or
ocher. The belly is uniformly pale
yellow. The head region is blue-gray.
The throat fan is predominantly pale
yellow with dark yellow patches.
Some individuals display dark
speckles extending from the head to
the dorsal region. The tail gradually
changes from the brownish gray of
Ano!Js marmoratus desiradei.
the dorsal markings into a brownish,
washed-out blue-green. Particularly
yellow. A color change in this striking in full-grown Anolis fe rre us
subspecies leads to a darkening of males is the distinct, high crest on
the various shades of brown, which the proximal part of the tail, through
then makes the dorsal markings which run several dark brown
stand out more strongly. This longitudinal stripes. Females are in
subspecies may reach 21 cm (8.4 general brownish green, but can also
in) in total length. Females have a be gray-brown to ocher, and exhibit a
gray head coloration that merges into short flank stripe in the shoulder
the greenish body coloration. Dorsal region. No throat fan is present in the
markings are absent. The belly is females.
yellow. Great differences in form and
Range and habitat: Anolis coloration can occur in both sexes.
mannoratus desiradei lives For example, the form and size of the
exclusively on the island of La male crest vary greatly from
Desirade east of Guadeloupe. The individual to individual. Moreover,
anoles have no centers of the coloration of the throat fan is not
distribution, but rather are always uniformly yellow. Some
distributed uniformly over the island. individuals feature brown patches,
The habitat is similar to that of Anolis and others have a blue-gray throat
mannoratus inomatus on Grande- fan. There even are individuals with a
Terre. bicolored throat fan, one half gray,
Care in the terrarium: Anolis the other yellow. Females vary
mannoratus desiradei is a suitable especially in their ground color,
terrarium charge and makes no which ranges from light and dark
special demands. In the same way as shades of brown to blue tones.
with the other Anolis mannoratus Range and habitat: About 20
subspecies from the satellite islands kilometers south of Guadeloupe lies
of Guadeloupe, good ventilation of the the small, a lmost circular island of
terrarium is required. Marie-Galante. It is an island with a
Ana/is ferreus, which at one time was considered a
subspecies of marmaratus, can be found only on
the small island of Marie-Galante (south of
Guadeloupe) . Captive specimens need good
ventilation since they cannot tolerate high humidity
for long periods of time . Photo by R. D. Bartlett.
36 ANOLE SPECIES

very arid climate. Extensive areas are achieve air circulation, at least one
covered by low bushes and thorny other ventilation opening should be
scrub, and only isolated wooded installed in the opposite side. Anolis
regions are present. Anolis jerreus jerreus needs especially good
clearly favors regions with the ventilation and in no case tolerates
biggest, tallest trees. Furthermore, high humidity for very long.
the stand of trees must not be too Anolis jerreus prefers terraria that
thick. We also find Anolis jerreus in are not too thickly planted and
hedgerows and stands of younger decorated. Because the anoles are
trees, although here they are mostly very active, only robust plants are
PHOTO BY R. D. BARTLETT.

juveniles. Anolis jerreus has no suitable; they can easily be used to

particular center of distribution on create suitable hiding places, which
Marie-Galante, and the anoles range all anoles require. The ideal group
over the whole island. size is one male and two females.
Care in the terrarium: On
account of its size, Anolis jerreus Anolis mannoratus girafus
needs a roomy terrarium that, if Description: Adult males, which
possible, should not have dimensions reach a size of 23 cm (9.2 in), have a
smaller than 80 X 80 cm (32 X 32 in). brown head and nape coloration that
Ventilation is of decisive importance merges through a beige color into the
for the successful care and breeding blue-green of the body. In the area of
of this species. The terrarium should the base of the tail the anoles can be
be constructed such that at least one bluish in color. On this ground color
side is completely screened. To they exhibit variable markings that
ANOLE SPECIES 37
usually consist of brown or beige, trees on the side of the road,
sometimes extensive, speckling. The although the population density is
belly is dirty white and the throat fan relatively low.
is yellow with white shading. The Care in the terrarium: Anolis
females vary in coloration from rich marmoratus girafus is not hard to
shades of brown to gray. The dorsal keep. As with all Anolis marmoratus
markings consist of small, dark spots varieties, the terrarium must not be
arranged in lines that extend in two too small and should be well
broken rows from the nape to the tail ventilated. Dimensions of 80 X 80 cm
region. (32 X 32 in) are adequate. A special
Range and habitat: Anolis aspect of keeping this subspecies is
PHOTO BY R. D. BARTLETI.

marmoratus girajus inhabits the based on the aridity of the natural

western coast of Guadeloupe from the habitat. Naturally the terrarium
town of Basse-Terre north to about climate also should be
Pointe Noire. On account of its correspondingly arid.
location on the leeward side of the
mountains, this is the most arid Anolis marmoratus
region in all of Basse-Terre. As a inornatus
follower of civilization, the anole lives Description: The ground color of
here preferentially in villages on full-grown males is a pale gray-green
house walls, lamp posts, fences, and that merges into a rich brown toward
other structures. The anoles also are the head. In some individuals the
present along the coastal road in brown of the head coloration is
rural regions. They inhabit the large repeated in suggested dorsal
38 AN OLE SPECIES
markings. A flank stripe, lighter variety, which with a total length of
gray-green than the dorsal nearly 24 cm (9.6 in) is relatively
coloration, runs from the shoulders large, consists only of a darkening
to the hind legs. The belly is a pale of the green. Like the males, full-
yellow-green. Some individuals grown females exhibit absolutely no
exhibit a slight blue suffusion in markings and are plain green. Only
the tail region. The throat fan is juveniles may exhibit dorsal
intense yellow and can exhibit markings .
white patches. Anolis marmoratus Range and habitat: Anolis
inornatus can reach a body length marmoratus kahouanne nsis lives
of 7.5 cm (3 in); the total length is exclusively on the small islands of
22 cm (8.8 in). Apart from the Ilet-a'-Kahouanne and Tete-a-
brown head color, the females are Anglais , located off the northern
more of an ashy gray. A variably part of Basse-Terre. The biotope
expressed dorsal pattern is always resembles closely that of Anolis
apparent, and at least the marmoratus setosus.
suggestion of a flank stripe is Care in the terrarium: Anolis
present. marmoratus kahouannensis
Range and habitat: This form presents no special problems in
inhabits northern and northeastern keeping and breeding. The
Grande-Terre. The range extends terrarium requirements are similar
along the northern coast to the to those of Anolis marmoratus
Pointe des Chateaux. Individuals setosus.
from Pointe des Chateaux represent
a transitional form to Anolis Anolis marmoratus
marmoratus desiradei. The habitat marmoratus
of Anolis marmoratus inornatus is Description: With a total length
similar to that of Anolis marmoratus of 24 cm (9.6 in), Anolis
speciosus but is even more arid and marmoratus marmoratus is a rather
is characterized by bushy robust anole. It is often claimed
vegetation. that Anolis marmoratus marmoratus
Care in the terrarium: The is the most beautiful Caribbean
terrarium should contain the same anole, and it is true that males
arid conditions as those of Grande- display a particularly rich and
Terre. Good ventilation is a contrasting coloration. The ground
prerequisite for the successful color is a light but intense green
keeping and breeding of this that merges into turquoise to blue
subspecies of Anolis marmoratus. toward the base of the tail. The
base coloration of the head region is
Anolis marmoratus blue-gray and is covered by
kahouannensis numerous bright orange-red
Description: Anolis marmoratus blotches. The large throat fan is
kahouannensis appears to be orange-yellow with small yellow
almost of one color. Only on the blotches. At night this anole is very
chin and occasionally other parts of dark in color. The general body
the head does a slight blue shading coloration is then a dark chocolate
occur. The rest of the body is brown, and only the darkened
uniformly colored in rich green. The orange spots still suggest the
throat fan is yellow, the belly pale gorgeous colors that Anolis
yellow. The change in color by this marmoratus marmoratus can reveal
ANOLE SPECIES 39
during the day. The females of this are locations exposed to the wind
subspecies are grassy green on the and open plant growth.
sides and are gray-brown on the Care in the terrarium: Anolis
head, the back, and in the tail mannoratus mannoratus can be a
region. The gradations in color flow good terrarium charge if several
into one another, so that no significant points are considered. For
contrasting striping or specific example, the terrarium, in keeping
dorsal markings are present. with the body size of the anoles,
PHOTO BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.

Range and habitat: AnoUs should be large. Planting is

marmoratus marmoratus is found unsuitable if it consists of small,
along the eastern coast of Basse- delicate plants. Some branches and a
Terre from Capesterre to Bananier. few yuccas must suffice here. Anolis
The entire coastal strip is mannoratus mannoratus needs its
characterized by large banana hiding places, but the terrarium must
plantations that form part of the be open and sparsely decorated.
habitat of the anole. Here live The most important point for the
smaller males and many juveniles. successful care of these anoles is
Other popular sites are fence posts adequate ventilation. Only in this way
in pastures when the fence is can the high humidity otherwise
bordered by light shrubbery. The customary in tropical terraria be
especially beautifully colored decreased. Stagnant air in
specimens favor the big trees that association with high humidity
line the avenues near towns. Of means a fatal end for Anolis
significance for all AnoUs mannoratus mannoratus after a short
marmoratus marmoratus biotopes stay in the terrarium!
40 ANOLE SPECIES
Anolis marmoratus setosus Grande-Terre, and the vegetation
Description: Full-grown males consists largely of extensive wooded
exhibit a green or blue-green dorsal areas. Generally speaking, the
coloration. In the head region they population density is not very high.
can even look blue. A few individuals Care in the terrarium: Like Anolis
exhibit extensive arrangements of marmoratus speciosus, Anolis
small yellow spots in the. nape region. marmoratus setosus also is a highly
The belly is pale green. The throat fan adaptable anole. The anoles can be
is intense yellow with greenish or kept and bred in pairs even in fairly
gray-green patches. small terraria. The terrarium should
Anolis marmoratus setosus is able be sparsely decorated and furnished
to undergo an extensive change in with not too many climbing branches.
color to dark shades, so the anoles
can turn almost black, particularly Anolis marmoratus
on the back. During the color change, speciosus
dark crossbands become particularly Description: Anolis marmoratus
prominent on the back. The virtually speciosus is an especially beautiful
black eye stripe is also conspicuous
during the change in color. The
maximum body length of these
relatively small anoles is only 6.6 cm
(2.6 in); the total length is 19 cm (7.6
in).
The females have weak pied
markings. Shades of green and brown
predominate, although various
gradations of gray and white also are
present. Females do not exhibit
uniform dorsal markings; instead,
rows of dark spots on the sides
suggest a striped pattern on the
otherwise dirty white ground color.
Range and habitat: Anolis
marmoratus setosus lives as a pure
form exclusively in northwestern
Basse-Terre, approximately between
Ste.-Rose and Deshaies. The range
extends into the ranges of Anolis
marmoratus girajus, Anolis
marmoratus alliaceus, and Anolis
marmoratus speciosus, and a
considerable mixing of the varieties
occurs. Accordingly, the safe
identification of the subspecies in the
transitional zone is quite difficult.
Anolis marmoratus setosus lives
preferentially on the edges of towns
in the vicinity of buildings as well as
in open forests along the coast. The
biotope is not as arid as that on PHOTO BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.
ANOLE SPECIES 41

anole. Males exhibit an extremely PHOTO BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.

intense green that is not broken up

by markings on the sides or back.
The belly is yellowish, and in the
head region the anoles often exhibit a
sky-blue coloration. The blue to
turquoise color can also be present
on the hind legs and the tail. The
anoles measure about 7 cm (2.8 in)
from the head to the base of the tail;
the total length is about 21 cm (8.4
in). The sulfur-yellow throat fan
features small greenish patches. In
contrast to Anolis marmoratus
setosus, Anolis marmoratus speciosus
never has a dark eye stripe. The
change in color is limited mainly to a
darkening of the green ground color;
in rare cases a change to a gray color
occurs. The olive-green females
exhibit as dorsal markings a pattern
of stripes or freckles.
Range and habitat: AnoUs
marmoratus speciosus occurs
throughout southwestern Grande-
Terre , on the narrow land bridge
between Grande-Terre and Basse- marmoratus speciosus can be kept
Terre, as well as on the island of and bred under both high humidity
Ilet du Cochons . Within this region and arid conditions.
there are numerous centers of The rivalry between individuals is
distribution. The flat part of the not too intense, but several males
island is used mainly for growing can be kept together only in really
sugar cane and can in general be large terraria. As a rule, the ratio of
described as arid. Even in the rainy one male to two or three females is
season there is rarely any recommended in the terrarium.
persistent moisture. The often
sparse vegetation and the fresh Anolis mannoratus
ocean wind quickly dry up the terraealtae
water. The highest population Description: This anole is grayish
densities are attained in parks or brown or greenish brown in color. As
other green areas. Here the bright a rule, the head region is dark
green males live in almost every brown; on th.e side of the head and in
tree, where they avidly court the the nape region several fairly large
females. yellow spots are present. The
Care in the terrarium: Anolis coloration in the tail region tends to
marmoratus speciosus is an extremely blue-green. Anolis marmoratus
hardy terrarium charge. This terraealtae attains a maximum
subspecies tolerates fairly large length of nearly 23 cm (9.2 in). The
fluctuations in temperatures and male's throat fan is orange-yellow
humidity very well. Anolis with patches of yellow. Females are
42 ANOLE SPECIES
pale grayish brown in color and Anolis oculatus cabritensis displays
exhibit distinct striped markings on two or three conspicuous black
the back. The anoles have a short spots on the sides. Some
stripe on the sides. populations can also exhibit
Range and habitat: Anolis extensive markings on the sides
marmoratus terraealtae lives in the that are broken up only by a
low arid regions of the islands lying pattern of fine , light spots or lines .
to the south of Basse-Terre: Ilet-a- The head and nape region are
Cabrit, the eastern part of Terre-de- distinguished by numerous small
Haut, Grande Ilet, and Iles des white spots and stripes. In many
Saintes. These regions border on individuals the head region is
the high and wet western end of darker, occasionally reddish in
Terre-de-Haut and are located east color. The blue eyes characteristic
of the likewise high and wet island of Anolis oculatus cabritensis
of Terre-de-Bas. Anolis marmoratus provide an interesting contrast to
terraealtae exhibits the greatest this coloration. The throat fan, as
population density on large trees in with Anolis oculatus oculatus , is
the vicinity of buildings. yellow or orange.
Care in the terrarium: From the Individuals from the region
area of occurrence it can be seen around the village of Picard have a
that Anolis marmoratus terraealtae somewhat darker and more
needs an arid climate . If the basic yellowish ground color than do the
requirements for keeping in the previously described variants from
terrarium are present, this species the Cabrits. Anoles from the region
is fairly hardy. around Pointe Ronde are
conspicuously yellow, particularly
Anolis oculatus group on the sides. Populations from the
Dominica, the northernmost of region of Grand Savanna, on the
the Windward Islands, lies between other hand, are the lightest
the French islands of Martinique specimens. The ground color is a
and Guadeloupe and is located pale gray yellow; the belly is yellow.
about 50 km from each. The 50- Although the somewhat darker
km-Iong and 22-km-wide island , head region still stands in contrast
which is of purely volcanic origin, to the remaining coloration, the red
features high mountains covered by component has disappeared almost
dense rainforest, hundreds of entirely.
waterfalls , crater lakes , and sulfur The coloration of the females
springs . On the island, still consists of a gray ground color with
relatively undisturbed today, four yellowish sides. Both the females
subspecies of Anolis oculatus have and juveniles of this subspecies
evolved: Anol is oculatus oculatus, exhibit a considerably more
Anolis oculatus cabritensis, Anolis pronounced pattern of spots than
oculatus montanus, and Anolis do the other Anolis oculatus
oculatus wins toni. subspecies. The dorsal and lateral
stripes are also more pronounced.
Anolis oculatus cabritensis Range and habitat: Anolis
Description: The up to 23-cm oculatus cabritensis lives along the
(9.2-inJ males are predominantly western coast of Dominica from the
gray or pale yellow-brown. The belly Cabrits to Grand Savanna. This is
is yellowish or peach. As a rule, one of the most arid regions of
ANOLE SPECIES 43
PHOTO BY MATTHIAS SCHMIDT.
Dominica, although clear climatic
differences do occur in this range,
particularly in regard to
precipitation and the vegetation,
For example, the area around
Grand Savanna is relatively arid
and the region farther to the north
around Picard is rather damp.
Care in the terrarium: Anolis
oculatus cabritensis is a very
interesting as well as attractively
colored terrarium charge. To ensure
proper care, it is essential to know
the provenance of this anole.
Individuals from the northern part
of the range are less sensitive to
high humidity than are those from
southern populations, for which
high humidity is fatal in the long
run.
A good breeding group is
achieved with a ratio of one male to
two females. The robust anoles,
which need lots of food and do not
pass up even fairly large morsels,
can become almost finger-tame
after a brief acclimation period and
take food from the keeper's hand.
With good care in a roomy
terrarium, the regular production of
offspring can be expected.

Anolis oculatus montanus

Description: The ground color of
this big anole varies from light to
dark shades of green. The sides are
not as intensely green as the back,
but they can take on a metallic
sheen. Numerous light, almost Characteristic of Anolis oculatus
white, spots of variable size form montanus is the well-developed tail
distinct stripes. The first stripe crest. With a total length of up to
usually consists of larger, more 28 cm (11.2 in), it is the largest
widely separated spots, while the Anolis oculatus subspecies. The
remainder consist of small, closely females and juveniles have a green
spaced dots. In the area of the first ground color. The sides, as with the
row, several black spots can be male, have a metallic luster. The
visible. A particularly intense anoles have numerous small spots
speckling is present on the head and exhibit dorsal and lateral
and nape. The throat fan is dark stripes. The female 's throat fan is
yellow with rusty areas . dark red.
44 ANOLE SPECIES
Range and habitat: The anoles uniformly olive to yellow-brown. As a
inhabit the entire central highlands rule they have faint dorsal stripes.
of Dominica. Anolis oculatus Range and habitat: The arid
montanus is thus an upland form southern and southwestern sides of
and is found only at altitudes Dominica are the range of Anolis
between 600 and 900 m. High oculatus oculatus. Limited by the
humidity prevails in this ·r ainforest Morne Paix Bouche in the southeast,
region. The biotope features which extends directly to the coast
numerous watercourses and and forms both a geographic and
waterfalls, where Anolis oculatus climatic barrier, the anole's range
montanus prefers to stay near water extends to the west about as far as
on large rock formations. the Layou Valley. Because of the
Care in the terrarium: Anolis windward location of the range, the
oculatus montanus needs lots of habitat of Anolis oculatus oculatus
space. The terrarium should have as has more of a steppe-like character.
large a ground space as possible and Arid regions with intense sunshine
therefore in most cases should be and only scrubby vegetation
longer than high. To reach the characterize this zone in southern
required humidity, a large aquatic Dominica.
section should be installed in such a Care in the terrarium: When the
way that it is well-hidden by suitable climatic conditions are considered,
plantings and equipped with Anolis oculatus oculatus is easy to
overhanging branches. keep and breed in the terrarium.
The most desirable temperatures
are between about 20 and 25°C (68 Anolis oculatus winstoni
and 77°F) . Anolis oculatus montanus Description: Anolis oculatus
should not be kept in groups of more wins toni probably is the most
than one male and three females. beautifully colored and richly
contrasting subspecies. The rusty
Anolis oculatus oculatus brown ground color, which is broken
Description: The full-grown males up by numerous small to medium-
of Anolis oculatus oculatus vary sized marks over the whole body,
greatly in color. All that they share is merges into peach to yellow shades
the light olive, more yellow-brown, on the sides. The white marks, which
ground color that is an ideal are densest in the head and nape
adaptation to their surroundings. The region, can be separated by fine black
belly is white to dirty yellow. Many lines. The skin color around the blue
individuals display a faint yellowish eyes varies from white to sky-blue.
crossbanding on the body. Just The large throat fan is rich orange-
behind the front legs, one, two, or yellow. The males have a well-
occasionally even three black spots developed nape and tail crest and
can be present on the side. Some reach lengths of 22 cm (8.8 in). The
individuals exhibit no black relatively large and robust females
pigmentation at all. The throat is are likewise rusty brown, and only
yellowish orange. In contrast to the occasionally is a slight tendency to
other subspecies, Anolis oculatus olive shades present. The white
oculatus has only traces of a crest on marks arranged in lines are less
the nape and tail, and with a length pronounced than with the males.
of 21 cm (8.4 in) it is the smallest Range and habitat: This variety
subspecies. The females are has by far the most extensive range
ANOLE SPECIES 45
BOTH PHOTOS BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.
46 ANOLE SPECIES

on Dominica. The anoles inhabit the bright green in color and has a
entire eastern coast from Penville in comparable build. This species also
the north to the natural barrier of the has the ability to change color rapidly
Morne Paix Bouche in the south. from green to dark brown. At a total
Anolis oculatus winstoni inhabits the length of 25 cm (lOin), Anolis
coastal region and is also rather porcatus grows larger than Anolis
abundant inland in flat regions. The carolinens is , and it is altogether more
entire eastern coast is very wet robust. Males have a yellow to pink
because of the constant northeast throat fan; only the suggestion of a
wind. The vegetation is accordingly fan is present in females. In display
lush and rich in species. Anolis coloration the male shows patches of
oculatus wins toni favors mainly dark blue on the nape and around the
biotopes near water, where the eyes. The belly is white in both sexes.
temperature during the day is about Range and habitat: Anolis
25°C (77°F). Large trees, which have
a bizarre appearance due to aerial
roots, as well as rocks near water are
favored territorial sites.
Care in the terrarium: Anolis
oculatus winstoni is easy to keep and
breed. The beautiful anoles are
neither fussy in regard to food nor
are they sensitive to temperature
fluctuations. They prefer a high
humidity, which can be nearly 100
percent at night but should decrease
to 50-60 percent during the day. This
means that Anolis oculatus winstoni
also requires a relatively well-
ventilated terrarium in which dry
places must be present. This
subspecies is prone to skin diseases
when subjected to damp, stufty
conditions; such diseases can be fatal
without appropriate treatment.
The not-too-small terrarium can be
decoratively furnished and planted.
Because there rarely is a chance of
finding an egg clutch in such heavy
planting, the youngsters, which will
certainly turn up in the terrarium
eventually, should be transferred as
quickly as possible to suitable rearing
terraria. A good breeding group
consists of one male and two females.

Anolis porcatus
Description: Anolis porcatus
resembles the Green Anole, Anolis
carolinensis, because it is likewise PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.
ANOLE SPECIES 47
porcatus is distributed over much of Toward the belly, however, it merges
Cuba, both on the main island and almost without contrast into the only
the surrounding smaller islands. It slightly darker ventral coloration. The
lives in open forest and also in the throat is orange-yellow in both sexes
immediate vicinity of humans in hotel and is equipped with gray-green
gardens and parks. On the Isla de la patches and shadings. The sexes are
Juventud we found the species in the easy to recognize by the clear size
garden of our hotel in palms, green difference, females being only 15 cm
shrubs, and also occasionally in the (6 in) long.
room of our bungalow. Range and habitat: Anolis richardi
Care in the terrarium: Anolis lives on the islands of Grenada,
porcatus needs a medium-sized Tobago, and the Grenadines, as well
terrarium about 90 cm (36 in) high. as the island of Bequia belonging to
The temperature should be 28°C St. Vincent, from which a few
(82°F) during the day, with a nightly individuals have also spread to St.
cooling to 22°C (72°F). Because the Vincent. The habitat and the behavior
anoles like to bask, a spotlight or an of Anolis richardi are comparable to
incandescent bulb in the terrarium those of Anolis griseus on St. Vincent.
cover (protected by screen) is Care in the terrarium: Anolis
recommended. The diet consists of richardi should be kept in roomy
the usual insect food, and Anolis terraria and cared for as with Anolis
porcatus should be fed only every griseus. Constantly damp areas
other day. should be avoided in the terrarium,
Following hibernation in winter and good ventilation is essential.
(two months at reduced temperatures Anolis richardi is an extremely
and little food), the males soon come adaptable anole that is easy to keep
into breeding condition in the spring. and can also be bred when the
Copulation occurs in the manner breeding stock is put together in
customary of anoles. A few weeks pairs.
later the females lay two eggs in
damp substrate. Maturation is best Anolis roquet group
carried out in an incubator. The In the middle of the Lesser Antilles
young hatch after about 60 days at lies Martinique, an island about 80
25°C (77°F) and are reared km long and 20 km wide. With Mt.
individually with tiny insects and the Pelee, Martinique attains its highest
daily administration of a calcium elevation of 1464 meters. The
preparation. geographiC location of the island
ensures a warm tropical climate with
Anolis richardi year-round temperatures of 24 to
Description: With a length of more 28°C (75 to 82°F). Only during the
than 30 cm (12 in), Anolis richardi is months of April and May and
a large, streamlined anole. The head between August and October does an
and nape regions are light gray, and often wet climate with frequent
the body color is olive green. The long rainfall prevail. This also is the time
legs are a somewhat darker olive- of the feared West Indian hurricanes.
green than the body. The tail is a During the remaining months it is
light gray-green. Characteristic for rather dry on this Caribbean island,
Anolis richardi is a light lateral stripe and only the ever-present trade winds
that forms a strong contrast to the provide a little cooling. Because of
olive-green ground color of the back. human development, only the high
48 ANOLE SPECIES
Characteristic of the subspecies are
numerous dark brown markings on
the head and body. The light gray
coloration of the head region can
extend well onto the throat fan ,
which is predominantly yellowish.
Full-grown males reach a length of
about 19 cm (7.6 in); females reach
up to 14 cm (5.6 in). Females are a
le_n uniform gray with a small gray throat
fan.
Range and habitat: This rather
rare and wary subspecies is found
only on Presqu'ile de la Caravelle in
northeastern Martinique. Anolis
-"""",,.......... n
flo......

£:: Anr:IIm IOqUM ~ roquet caracoli lives in the vicinity of

._"""",-. .......
_ _ ;:;neal

_ _ roq.JOl

---
Range of various Anolis roquet races.

elevations are still covered by lush,

undisturbed vegetation. In complete
contrast to the deep green of the
montane forests, the rest of
Martinique reveals a totally different
side. Sugar cane and banana
plantations, pineapple fields, and
extensive arid areas with scrub
characterize the island. Only in a few
places do coconut palms fringe the
otherwise rather dreary coastal strip.
Anolis roquet is represented by six
subspecies on Martinique. As a result
of the enormous adaptability of the
anoles to their environment, they
have been able to evolve into pure
followers of civilization. Accordingly,
the extensive cultivation and
alteration of the environment have
not been detrimental to the anoles on
Martinique. To the contrary, the
highest population densities are
found in the inhabited regions.

Anolis roquet caracoli

Description: Anolis roquet caracoli
is a rather plain brownish gray. PHOTO BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.
ANOLE SPECIES 49
old ruins and in small forest Anolis roquet majolgris
openings. The anoles are not Description: Anolis roquet
particularly partial to sun. but rather majolgris is at first sight a very plain
prefer shady places. The population anole. The small lizard has a gray-
is quite high in the small area of brown ground color that appears
occurrence. lightly mottled on the back through
Care in the terrarium: Anolis various shades of gray. Only in
roquet caracoli prefers relatively dim particularly robust males is the head
light, temperatures of about 26°C and nape region extensively marked
(79°F), and a humidity between 60 with white. thereby forming a strong
and BO percent. The terrarium should contrast to the rest of the body and
not be too thickly planted; instead. the black-ringed eyes. The throat fan
the anoles need a robust network of of the up to 22-cm (B.B-in) males is
branches with plenty of hiding about half gray and half yellow. The
places. This species does not tolerate small (about 11 cm. 4.4 in) females
constant dampness in the terrarium are an inconspicuous gray-brown.
and likes good ventilation. When and only the often light gray head
these conditions are met, Anolis coloration stands out.
roquet caracoli is not hard to keep Range and habitat: The anoles are
and breed. fairly common in the vicinity of the
town of Saint Marie in northeastern
Martinique. Anolis roquet majolgris is
a very agile anole and prefers strongly
branched. large trees and bushes.
Somewhat wetter sites with lush
vegetation have particularly high
population densities.
Care in the terrarium: Anolis
roquet majolgris is easy to keep and
breed in a medium-sized terrarium.
The furnishings should consist of
strongly branched plants covering a
few robust climbing branches. The
lighting should not be too strong.
since the anoles prefer partial shade.
Good ventilation is indispensable for
the well-being of the anoles. Anolis
roquet rn.cyolgris prefers temperatures
of about 26°C (79°F) and a humidity of
about 70 to BO percent. The breeding
group should consist of either a pair or
one male and two females.

Anolis roquet roquet

Description: The ground color of
this. the nominate (first-described)
form. is green or yellow-green. During
courtship the anoles. which can be
up to 22 cm (B.B in) long. reveal the
PHOTO BY MATTHIAS SCHMIDT. most exquisite colors. particularly in
50 ANOLE SPECIES

BOTH PHOTOS BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.

ANOLE SPECIES 51
the head and nape region, numerous keeping Anolis roquet roquet in good
irregularly arranged blue spots and health. When the anoles are fed a
stripes edged by narrow yellow lines good and varied diet they are easy to
stand out from the green ground breed. Copulation usually takes place
color. Toward the flanks the mottling in the morning hours, and about 45
often merges into a faint days later the females bury their two
crossbanding. The large throat fan of eggs in the loose substrate. The
the male is yellow. Besides the clear young hatch after about six weeks
difference in size between the sexes and are easy to rear with tiny insects.
(females half the size of the male), the
safest distinguishing character is in Anolis roquet salinei
the throat fans of the anoles. In the Description: These quite large
males the throat fan extends past the anoles, sometimes more than 23 cm
base of the front legs; in the females (9.2 in) long, often display their full
it ends just before the front legs. beauty. On the light green or gray-
Females are light green or brownish green ground color, four or fIve intense
green. Characteristic is a beige to black crossbars stand out. Small
dark reddish brown longitudinal yellow spots are particularly common
stripe on the back. The very small in the head and nape region. The head
throat fan is pale yellow. region is yellow in some individuals.
Range and habitat: AnoUs roquet The bright yellow throat fan often
roquet ranges over all of southern and includes numerous small greenish
southwestern Martinique, from the white markings arranged in lines.
capital of Fort-de-France south along Anolis roquet salinei is able to change
the coast through Trois Ilets to Ste. its color, particularly to darker shades.
Luce on the southern coast of the For example, under conditions of high
island. The anoles inhabit in large hUmidity and low temperature the
numbers both arid and wetter anole turns a very dark gray-brown.
biotopes. The population density is so The otherwise typical crossbanding
high, particularly in parks, that the then is no longer visible.
anoles may be able to control only The apprOximately 12-cm (4.8-in)
small territories, and frequently females are light green, gray-green, or
several adult males live in a single gray-brown. The females also have
palm. Even hedges and fences in the numerous small yellow markings in
middle of the capital are popular the head and back region. The throat
biotopes. The females, which at fIrst fan is not present in the females of
sight appear to be in the minority, live this subspecies, which makes it
rather concealed in the undergrowth. somewhat easier to distinguish them
Upon closer inspection, a ratio of 1 from the other Anolis roquet females.
male: 2 females or even 1:3 is evident. Range and habitat: Anolis roquet
Care in the terrarium: Anolis salinei inhabits southeastern
roquet roquet is extremely easy to Martinique. The anoles occur in the
keep. The well-lighted terrarium can region from Le Marin to Ste. Anne as
be relatively thickly planted and far as Le Vauclin. The population
decorated. The anoles need good density is relatively low. The biotope is
hiding places as well as suitable characterized by extreme aridity, the
basking sites, which absolutely must region being covered with low scrub
be dry. A relative humidity between and with only a few taller trees on
60 and 80 percent and temperatures which the anoles are somewhat more
of about 27°C (81 °F) are necessary for abundant.
52 ANOLE SPECIES
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.
anoles have numerous white spots
with blackish blue borders. In rare
cases the dark blue color can be
extensive and extend as far as the
hind legs. The contrasting markings
of the blue-black, the intense green
ground color, and the orange-yellow
throat fan are particularly striking in
Anolis roquet summus. Adult females
are easy to distinguish from the
females of other Anolis roquet
subspecies. The very robust anoles
have a green ground color, and the
head region, down to the jaws, is
marked with black or dark gray. This
black color continues in the form of
two broad dorsal stripes extending
onto the tail. On the neck and flanks
the anoles can exhibit a slight blue
suffusion. The lower jaw and throat
are yellowish mixed with a light blue
tint.

Care in the terrarium: Of all

Anolis roquet subspecies, Anolis
roquet salinei is the form that
requires the highest temperatures
and intense sunlight. In terrarium
keeping, of particular importance are
good ventilation and a very arid
microclimate. The terrarium should
be decorated simply and not be too
thickly planted. Small insects, for
which Anolis roquet salinei shows a
strong preference, are particularly
suitable for feeding this variety.

Anolis roquet summus

Description: Anolis roquet summus
is without doubt one of the most
beautiful anoles of the roquet group.
At a body length of about 22 cm (8.8
in), the dark emerald-colored males
are fully grown. Particularly in the
head and nape region, which can also
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS.
exhibit a yellow ground color, the
ANOLE SPECIES 53
Range and habitat: Anolis roquet PHOTO BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT.
summus is exclusively an upland
fonn and inhabits the northern part
of Martinique at altitudes between
400 and 900 meters. The lush, dense
vegetation found there is extremely
rich in species, large trees covered
with epiphytes underscoring the
overall impression of a tropical
rainforest. The humidity is very high
at 80 to 100 percent. Temperatures
are about 25°C (77°F) during the day
and drop to below 20°C (68°F) at
night. The population density is
highly variable and reaches its
maximum near small villages.
Care in the terrarium: In
contrast to all other anoles on
Martinique, Anolis roquet summus
tolerates high humidity, even over
long periods of time. This means
that this subspecies is an excellent
choice for a purely tropical
terrarium. To be sure, at times dry
areas should be available, but this
is not a prerequisite for good
breeding success. Anolis roquet
summus is a particularly well-
suited terrarium animal and will
present no problems in keeping and
breeding.

Anolis roquet zebrilus

Description: Anolis roquet zebrilus,
which grows to a length of more than
23 cm (9.2 in), is characterized by a
gray-brown ground color throughout
that can be somewhat lighter in the
head region and exhibits small black
markings. The light gray coloration of
the throat extends about halfway over subspecies. The up to 14-cm (5.6-in)
the large throat fan. The other half is females often have darkly mottled,
light yellow with small white patches. faint crossbands on the back on a
The name of this subspecies refers to gray-brown ground color. The small
the characteristic black crossbanding throat fan is dark orange.
on the nape and back. As a result of Range and habitat: Anolis roquet
the dark crossbanding, these anoles zebrilus inhabits the northwestern
closely resemble Anolis roquet salinei, coast of Martinique in the region of
only the gray ground color pennitting the towns of st. -Pierre and Le
the quick identification of the two Carbet. The anoles are found
54 ANOLE SPECIES

primarily in large trees, among ruins, Anolis saban us, Panther

and on the walls of houses, wh ich Anole
also provide a favorite place to bask. Description: Anolis sabanus
Because of the location of the range formerly was considered to be a
on the leeward side of the mountains, subspecies of Anolis bimaculatus, but
the biotope is relatively arid. based on more recent interpretations
Care in the terrarium: In it is viewed as an independent
keeping with the arid and sun- species. The up to I8-cm (7 .2-in)
drenched habitat, AnoUs roquet anole exhibits a conspicuous leopard
zebrilus needs a well-lighted and pattern of large blackish brown
well-ventilated terrarium. blotches that contrast with the silvery
Accordingly, the cage should not be gray to light brown ground color. The
PHOTO BY MATIHI AS SCHMIDT.

thickly planted. The daytime leopard markings continue more or

temperatures can reach maximum less distinctly onto the legs. The
values of about 30°C (86°F), and male's throat fan is pale yellow.
the nocturnal temperature should Range and habitat: The Panther
be 24°C (75°F). The anoles do not Anole occurs only on Saba, an island
react very sensitively to high in the Lesser Antilles formed by the
humidity, but based on experience crater of an extinct volcano. Steep
the relative humidity should not cliffs up to 600 meters high
exceed 75 percent. characterize the landscape of this
ANOLE SPECIES 55
ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN. of the terrarium should be formed as
a rock wall, because this species likes
to climb on rocks. To provide shelter
and an additional place to climb, a
bizarrely shaped piece of driftwood or
something similar can be placed in
the foreground and then planted with
bromeliads (for example, Vriesea).
The air temperature should vary
between 22 and 30°C (72 and 86°F),
with moderate humidity.
The females lay their clutch of two
eggs several times a year in the soil
or in the mulm of old rootstocks. The
maturation of the clutch is best
carried out in an incubator. At a
temperature of 26°C (79°F), the
young hatch after 40 to 50 days.
Because of their pronounced
aggressiveness, rear them
individually in small plastiC terraria.
Anoils sabanus, Panther Anole .
During rearing, a varied diet with
regular supplements of a calcium and
island, Lush green valleys are found vitamin preparation is necessary.
only in the interior of the island.
Anolis saban us lives there on thick Anolis sagrei, Brown Anole
tree trunks, while near the coast it Description: Anolis sagrei has
lives on a rocky substrate. been one of the most popular anoles
Care in the terrarium: The in the terrarium for years. Males have
relatively small Panther Anoles can a chocolate ground color with dark
be kept in pairs in cages with brown diamonds along the backbone
dimensions of at least 70 X 50 X 50 and a pattern of beige-yellow dots.
cm (28 X 20 X 20 in). The back wall The females also are brown, but have
a light yellow dorsal stripe and two
brown stripes on the sides. At a
length of about 14 cm (5.6 in), they
are considerably smaller than the up
to 18-cm (7.2-in) males. Anolis sagrei
is one of the "high-headed" species: it
does not have the flat alligator snout
typical of many anoles, such as
Anolis carolinensis. The males are
characterized by a large reddish
brown throat fan with black streaks
and a yellow margin. The small, non-
serrated nape crest is revealed only
when the anole is excited.
Range and habitat: Originally
Anolis sagrei was found mainly on
PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS. Cuba. From there it colonized Florida
56 ANOLE SPECIES
BOTH PHOTOS BY GUIDO DINGERKUS.

and possibly also has been

ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN.
introduced to Jamaica. Additional
subspecies live in the Bahamas
(Anolis sagrei ordinatus), on Cayman
Brac (Anolis sagrei luteosignifer), and
on Swan Island (Anolis sagrei nelsoni)
off the Yucatan. The nominate
subspecies (A. sagrei sagrei) also
occurs on the Mexican coast in the
Yucatan and in Belize. In addition to
A. sagrei sagrei over most of Cuba, a
second subspecies, A. sagrei greyi,
occurs in central Cuba. In Cuba we
found Anolis sagrei on low bushes
along roads and paths. In particular,
females often went to the ground to
reach the nearest bush.
Care in the terrarium: Anolis
sagrei can be kept in pairs in
Above: Ana/is sagrei ardinatus.
medium-sized terraria. The males are Below: Analis sagrei greyi.
extremely aggressive toward one
another, but in large terraria it is

PHOTO BY R. D. BARTLETT.
ANOLE SPECIES 57
PHOTO BY MATIHIAS SCHMIDT. Anolis trinitatis
Description: Anolis trinitatis is an
extremely attractively marked anole.
The ground color of the up to 18-cm
(7.2-in) males is an emerald green.
The head region is a striking sky-
blue, and the eyes have dark blue
rings. Depending on mood, the
anoles can also exhibit yellow heads.
The proximal third of the tail is
yellow-green and ends in dark blue
or black. The legs are dark green. The
throat fan is rich yellow and can
exhibit white patches. The smaller
(13 cm, 5.2 in) and more slender
females are uniformly green above,
ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN.

possible to keep the Brown Anole with

"green species" like Anolis m.armoratus
and AnoUs speciosus. Anolis sagrei
requires moderate humidity and
temperatures of 25 to 28°C (77 to
82°F). Hibernation from November to
February at lowered temperatures and
reduced rations is recommended.
During the breeding season the female
buries a clutch of two eggs in the soil
about every four weeks. Maturation
takes place in the incubator. At a
temperature of 25°C (77°F), the young
hatch after 50 to 60 days.

Ano/Is sagrel scnptus.

Anolis trinitatls.

the belly as well as the small throat

fan yellowish white.
On 5t. Vincent there are various
color varieties of Anolis trinitatus that,
in part, clearly differ from the above-
described population from the
Kingstown Botanical Garden. One of
the most attractive color forms is
found in the Mesopotamian Valley.
The ground color is dark blue, broken
up only by small dark green and
yellow patches on the head, nape,
and legs. The coloration of the light
ARTWORK BY JOHN R. QUINN.
58 ANOLE SPECIES

blue throat fan, which features dimensions starting at 50 X 50 cm

numerous small yellow and red dots, (20 X 20 in) are suitable for Anolis
is repeated on the legs and tail. trinitatis. The anoles, which if
Range and habitat: Fifteen color possible should be kept in pairs, are
varieties of Anolis trinitatis occur on easy to keep and breed. The
the Caribbean island of St. Vincent. terrarium can be thickly planted and
The center of distribution ' is the decorated with roots, but should have
region around the capital of a few open places to bask. The
Kingstown, in particular in the humidity should be kept between 60
Botanical Garden, and the fertile and gO percent. Pregnant females lay
Mesopotamian Valley in the their two eggs about 25 days after
southeastern part of the island. The copulation, finding a suitable site in
anoles prefer to stay in the lower the loose substrate. As a rule, the
regions of medium-sized trees and in females repeatedly use the same
low but not densely branched shrubs. laying site, making the clutch easy to
The temperature in the find. The about 5-cm (2-in) young
predominantly shady biotopes is hatch after 35 days and can be
about 2rC (81 °F) . Only during the reared easily with Drosophila.
dry season from January to May do Calcium and vitamin supplements as
temperatures rise above 32°C (gO°F) . well as regular ultraviolet irradiation
Care in the terrarium: Even are essential for the further growth of
relatively small terraria with the young Anolis trinitatis.

PHOTO BY RALF HESELHAUS .

OTHER CARIBBEAN ANOLES 59

OTHER CARIBBEAN ANOLES

The following list represents the varying through gray to dark brown;
Caribbean anole species generally throat fan white to dull gray with
recognized as valid. Several other yellow or orange margin.
taxa (listed after the species that have Anolis aeneus. Grenada.
been more fully treated) have been Grenadines. 21 cm (8.4 in). Gray
elevated to species rank from ground color, blue suffusion in head
subspecies. are poorly known. or and nape region, dark green vertical
recently were described by various bars on the back, blue eye ring;
workers. Though it is not unlikely female longitudinally striped.
that they do deserve species status. Anolis ahli. Cuba. 17 cm (6.8 in).
they are not detailed here. See Ground color brown with suggestions
Schwartz and Henderson. 1991. of red striping, black patch in nape
Amphibians and Reptiles oj the West region; throat fan yellow with large
Indies. Descriptions. Distributions. red spot.
and Natural History (Univ. Florida Anolis allisoni. Cuba. 22 cm (8.8
Press), for a full discussion of all the in). Ground color green, head and
species of the Antilles and lists of shoulders bright blue; throat fan
their subspecies. Additional species ruby.
and subspecies probably will have Anolis allogus. Cuba. 19 cm (7.6
been described by the time you read in). Dorsal coloration reddish brown
this book. so no list of Caribbean with yellow net-like markings;
anoles can be complete for very long. distinct tail crest; throat fan yellow
In the listing. each species is with three vertical stripes.
briefly mentioned along with its Anolis anfiloquioi. Cuba. 12 cm
general distribution. length of males. (4.8 in). Black spot in neck region;
and a summary of the colors and throat fan orangish gray.
patterns. Be aware that many of the Anolis angusticeps. Cuba, Isla de
species have two or more subspecies la Juventud, Bimini, Antigua, Berry
that may differ considerably in Islands, New Providence, Eleuthera,
coloration. No one volume yet exists Exuma Cays, Long Island, Cat Island.
to allow the identification of all 16 cm (6.4 in). Dorsal coloration
Caribbean anoles. but keys to many grayish brown or yellowish brown,
of the species are presented in occasionally dark brown; throat fan
Henderson and Schwartz. 1984. "A orange to yellow.
gUide to the identification of Anolis argenteolus. Cuba. 16 cm
amphibians and reptiles of (6.4 in). Ground color brown with
Hispaniola." Spec. Publ. Milwaukee yellow or gray net-like markings;
Public Mus. Biol. and Geol.. 4: 1-70; throat fan white with a gray or brown
and Schwartz and Henderson. 1985. area.
A guide to the identification oj Anolis argillaceus. Cuba, Isla de
amphibians and reptiles oj the West la Juventud. 14 cm (5.6 in). Dorsal
Indies exclusive oj Hispaniola, coloration with grayish brown net-
Milwaukee Public Mus., 165 pages. like markings; large yellow-orange or
red throat fan.
THE MAJOR SPECIES Anolis baracoae. Cuba. 50 cm (20
Anolis acutus. Virgin Islands, St. in). Shoulder stripe consisting of
Croix. 20 cm (8 in). Back bronze, yellow spots ringed with black; throat
60 OTHER CARIBBEAN ANOLES

fan pink. blue-green. white. or (6.4 in). Ground color yellowish

brownish with green spots. brown to gray; throat fan yellow or
Anolis bremeri. Cuba. Isla de la orange.
Juventud. 21 cm (8.4 in). Throat fan Anolis ernestwilliamsi. Virgin
ocher or mahogany. Islands. 25 cm (10 in). Dorsal
Anolis brunneus. Crooked-Acklins coloration grayish brown with a black
Islands. West Plana Cay. Bahamas. spot; throat fan rich red with green
23 cm (9.2 in). Ground color grayish center.
brown. black oval blotches behind Anolis evermanni. Puerto Rico. 21
the eyes and above the front leg; ruby cm (8.4 in). Dorsal coloration intense
throat fan. green or brown; throat fan yellow.
Anolis centralis. Cuba. 14 cm Anolis fairchildi . Cay Sal Bank.
(5.6 in). Ground color white or light 22 cm (8.8 in). Dorsal coloration
brown; throat fan yellow to red. green. sides yellowish; pOinted head;
Anolis clivicola. Cuba. 15 cm (6 throat fan bicolored. top half white.
in). Light green ground color with bottom half ruby with white spots.
small dark green dots and gray dorsal Anolis fugitivus. Cuba. 11 cm
stripe. the sides dark red; throat fan (4.4 in). Dorsal coloration gray with
violet. beige dorsal stripe. head green;
Anolis conspersus. Grand throat fan pale yellow.
Cayman. 21 cm (8.4 in). Ground color Anolis grahami. Jamaica. 17 cm
mottled green or brown; throat fan (6.8 in). Head and body green. base of
blue. tail blue. tail turquoise; throat fan
Anolis cristatellus. Puerto Rico. yellowish orange.
Virgin Islands. Dominican Republic. Anolis guazuma. Cuba. 14 cm
23 cm (9.2 in). Dorsal coloration (5.6 in). Throat fan yellow. edged in
grayish green; throat fan varies orange; body length longer than tail.
between red and green. Anolis gundlachi. Puerto Rico. 18
Anolis cupeyalensis. Cuba. 13 cm cm (7.2 in). Ground color dark olive
(5.2 in). Ground color intense green with three to five black crossbands;
with a pink dorsal stripe; throat fan tail crest; throat fan orange.
green. Anolis homolechis. Cuba. Isla de
Anolis cybotes. Hispaniola. la Juventud. 21 cm (8.4 in). Ground
introduced to Florida. 18 cm (7.2 in). color brown with white lateral stripe;
Background color tan to gray. dark throat fan white to gray.
dumbbells down back; throat fan Anolis imias. Cuba. 19 cm (7.6
pink to yellow or dirty white. in). Dorsal markings with five dark
Anolis delafuentei. Cuba. 18 cm crossbands. chin with black net-like
(7.2 in). Ground color brown; throat markings.
fan red or orange. Anolis isolepis. Cuba. 12 cm (4.8
Anolis desechensis. Isla Desecheo in). Ground color green. back with
off Puerto Rico. 17 cm (6.8 in). purple net-like markings; throat fan
Ground color grayish brown; throat yellow or white.
fan yellowish orange. Anolis juangundlachi. Cuba. 10
Anolis distichus. Bimini. Andros. cm (4 in). Grayish brown ground
Berry Islands. New Providence. color; throat fan pale yellow.
Eleuthera. Exuma Cays. Cat Island. Anolisjubar. Cuba. 18 cm (7.2
Long Island. San Salvador. Rumy in). Ground color brown to gray;
Cay. Ragged Islands. Haiti. throat fan yellow to orange;
Dominican Republic. Florida. 16 cm subspecies with three white dorsal
OTHER CARIBBEAN ANOLES 61

A variety of Carribean anoles. Artwork by John R. Quinn .

1) Analis semilineatus 7) Analis ch/arocyanus cyanastictus

2) Analis ricardi /eberi 8) Ana/is a/ssani
3) Ana/is bremeri bremeri 9) Ana/is bimacu/atus bimacu/atus
4) Ana/is cae/estinus pecuarius 10) Ana/is dalichacepha/us sarmentica/a
5) Ana/is hendersani hendersani 11) Ana/is ricardi ricardi
6) Ana/is vermicu/atus 12) Ana/is va/encienni
62 OTHER CARIBBEAN ANOLES

stripes. from jaw to flank; throat fan rich

Anolis krugi. Puerto Rico. 15 cm orange with yellow center and yellow
(6 in). Dorsal olive, sides with black margin.
spots; throat fan orange. Anolis ophiolepis. Cuba, Isla de
Anolis lineatopus. Jamaica. 18 la Juventud. 12 cm (4.8 in). Back
cm (7.2 in). Ground color brown to brown with five longitudinal stripes;
gray with dark crossbands; throat fan very small throat fan pink to red.
variable from gray to orangish-yellow. Anolis patemus. Cuba, Isla de la
Anolis lividus. Montserrat. 20 cm Juventud. 15 cm (6 in). Dorsal
(8 in). Dorsal coloration green; throat coloration gray with dark dots; throat
fan yellow to olive. fan pale pink to pale orange.
Anolis loysianus. Cuba. 12 cm Anolis pigmaequestris. Cuba. 40
(4.8 in). Dorsal coloration brown, cm (16 in). Nape, shoulders, and
white lateral stripe; throat fan light front of back blue, rear part of back
brown to pale orange. yellowish green; throat fan pink.
Anolis lucius. Cuba. 20 cm (8 in). Anolis poncensis. Puerto Rico. 13
Dorsal brownish gray, head striped; cm (5.2 in). Ground color light brown
throat fan light gray with dirty yellow with almost white spots; light throat
stripe. fan with large scales.
Anolis luteogularis. Cuba, Isla de Anolis pulchellus. Puerto Rico ,
la Juventud. 55 cm (22 in). Ground Virgin Islands. 14 cm (5.6 in). Dorsal
color dark green with yellow dots; coloration olive-green to yellowish
nape and dorsal combs; throat fan green; large peach throat fan.
beige. Anolis quadriocellifer. Cuba. 15
Anolis maynardi. Little Cayman. cm (6 in). Back brown, large white-
27 cm (10.8 in). Back uniform green; edged blotch above the front leg;
keeled ventral side; throat fan pale short head; throat fan dirty yellow
green. with three orange vertical stripes .
Anolis mestrei. Cuba. 17 cm (6.8 Anolis reconditus. Jamaica. 28
in). Ground color gray, with yellow or cm (11.2 in) . Dorsal coloration green
orange punctuate markings; large with three gray, circular spots on the
dark red throat fan. side; throat fan light gray with orange
Anolis mimus. Cuba. 11 cm (4.4 center.
in). Dorsal coloration gray to Anolis roosevelti. Culebra. 45 cm
yellowish green; throat fan yellow. (18 in). Back blue-gray, two light
Anolis monensis. Mona, Monito. lateral stripes; throat fan gray with
17 cm (6.8 in). Dorsal coloration pale yellow areas.
gray; throat fan yellowish orange. Anolis rubribarbus. Cuba. 17 cm
Anolis nob lei. Cuba. 55 cm (22 (6.8 in). Back light brown with
in). Back green; OCCipital and dorsal conspicuous black crossbanding, also
crests; throat fan pale pink. extending over the legs and the tail;
Anolis nubilus. Redonda. 24 cm short head; throat fan yellow with five
(9.8 in). Dorsal coloration grayish red vertical stripes.
brown; throat fan light gray. Anolis scriptus. Great and Little
Anolis occultus. Puerto Rico. 13 Inagua, Mayaguana, West Plana Cay,
cm (5.2 in). Back with gray-brown- Turks and Caicos Islands. 22 cm (8.8
black markings; both sexes with gray in). Back brownish gray, pattern of
throat fan suffused with pale pink. dark spots or streaks; robust build;
Anolis opalinus. Jamaica. 15 cm throat fan gray to brown.
(6 in). Back olive to gray, light stripe Anolis smallwoodi. Cuba. 55 cm
OTHER CARIBBEAN ANOLES 63

A variety of Carribean anoles. Artwork by John R. Quinn.

1 ) Ana/is brevirastris wetmarei 7) Ana/is caudalis

2) Ana/is cuvieri 8) Ana/is brunneus
3) Ana/is canspersus canspersus 9) Ana/is angusticeps a/igaspis
4) Ana/is baharucaensis baharucaensis 10) Ana/is acu/atus winstani
5) Ana/is parcatus 11) Ana/is canspersus /ewisi
6) Ana/is al/isani 12) Ana/is angusticeps angusticeps
64 OTHER CARIBBEAN AN0L&8

(22 in). Back mottled in blue, brown, Anolis bahorucoensis

yellow, and green; pale blue stripe on (Hispaniola)
the jaw and shoulder; throat fan pale Anolis balteatus (Hispaniola)
pink. Anolis barahonae (Hispaniola)
Anolis smaragdinus. Bimini and Anolis brevirostris (Hispaniola)
Berry Islands, Andros, New Anolis caudalis (Hispaniola)
Providence, Eleuthera, Long, Cat, Anolis chlorocyanus (Hispaniola)
Exuma Cays, Ragged Islands. 23 Anolis christophei (Hispaniola)
cm (9.2 in). Back uniform green, Anolis coelestinus (Hispaniola)
dark patch behind front legs; Anolis concolor (Isla San Andres,
elongated snout; throat fan pink to Colombia)
orange . Anolis cooki (Puerto Rico)
Anolis spectrum. Cuba. 13 cm Anolis cyanopleurus (Cuba)
(5.2 in). Ground color brown, Anolis darlingtoni (Hispaniola)
conspicuous black blotch above the Anolis dolichocephalus
shoulder; throat fan chestnut (Hispaniola)
brown. Anolis etheridgei (Hispaniola)
Anolis stratulus. Puerto Rico, Anolis eugenegrahami
Virgin Islands. 14 cm (5.6 in). Dorsal (Hispaniola)
coloration yellowish gray, dark saddle Anolis Jowleri (Hispaniola)
patch; throat fan orange. Anolis haetianus (Hispaniola)
Anolis valencienni. Jamaica. 24 Anolis hendersoni (Hispaniola)
cm (9.8 in). Back light, almost white, Anolis inexpectatus (Cuba)
with irregular black spots; long head; Anolis insolitus (Hispaniola)
throat fan red. Anolis koopmani (Hispaniola)
Anolis vanidicus. Cuba. 12 cm Anolis longiceps (Navassa 1.)
(4.8 in). Back green to olive; throat Anolis longitibialis (Hispaniola)
fan brownish to greenish; dark Anolis maracanoi (Hispaniola)
shoulder patch absent. Anolis marron (Hispaniola)
Anolis vermiculatus. Cuba. 37 Anolis monticola (Hispaniola)
cm (14.8 in). Back speckled in olive to Anolis olssoni (Hispaniola)
blue-green; turned-up snout; throat Anolis pinchoti (Isla de
fan absent; aquatic. Providencia, Colombia)
Anolis wattsi. Antigua, Barbuda, Anolis placidus (Hispaniola)
St. Martin, Anguilla, St. Eustatius, Anolis pumilus (Cuba)
St. Christopher, Nevis, St. Lucia. 18 Anolis ricordi (Hispaniola)
cm (7.2 in). Back variable from Anolis rimarum (Hispaniola)
brownish green to grayish brown; Anolis rupinae (Hispaniola)
throat fan white to yellowish orange. Anolis semilineatus (Hispaniola)
Anolis sheplani (Hispaniola)
OTHER SPECIES Anolis shrevei (Hispaniola)
Anolis aliniger (Hispaniola) Anolis singularis (Hispaniola)
Anolis altavelensis (Hispaniola) Anolis strahmi (Hispaniola)
Anolis alumina (Hispaniola) Anolis websteri (Hispaniola)
Anolis armouri (Hispaniola) Anolis whitemani (Hispaniola)
I INDEX RE-134 CARIBBEAN ANOLES I
I Page numbers in boldface refer to illustrations.

Anolis allisani, 63 Analis aculatus winstani, 4, 44-46, 45, 63

Analis alutaceus, 14-15, 14 Analis alssani, 61
Analis angusticeps angusticeps, 63 Analis parcatus, 46-47, 46, 63
Analis angusticeps aligaspis, 63 Analis richardi, 47
Analis baharucaensis baharucaensis, 63 Analis ricardi leberi, 61
Analis bartschi, 15-16, 15 Analis ricardi ricordi, 61
Analis bimaculatus, 17 Anolis raquet caracoli, 48-49, 48
Analis bimaculatus bimaculatus, 16-17,61 Anolis roquet group, 47-54
Analis bremeri bremeri, 61 Anolis roquet majolgris, 49, 49
Analis brevirastris wetmarei, 63 Anolis roquet roquet, 49-51, 50
Analis brunneus, 63 Anolis roquet salinei, 51-52,52
Analis caralinensis, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17-20, Analis roquet summus, 52-53, 53
18,19 Anolis roquet zebrilus, 53-54, 54
Analis caudalis, 63 Anolis sabanus, 54-55,55
Analis chlarocyanus cyanastictus, 61 Anolis sagrei, 4, 6, 7, 9, 55-56, 56, 57
Analis caelestinus pecuarius, 61 Anolis sagrei greyi, 56
Analis canspersus canspersus, 63 Anolis sagrei ordinatus, 56
Analis canspersus lewisi, 63 Anolis sagrei scriptlls, 57
Analis cuvieri, 20-21, 20, 63 Anolis semilineatlls, 61
Analis dalichacephalus sarmenticala, 61 Anolis trinitatis, 4, 7, 57-58, 57
Analis equestris, 1, 21-24, 21, 22, 23 Anolis valencienni, 61
Analis extremus, 24, 24 Anolis vermiculatus, 61
Analis garmani, 25-26, 25, 26 Brown AnDIe, 4, 6, 7, 9, 55-56, 56, 57
Analis gingivinus, 26-27, 27 Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides, 3
Analis griseus, 27-28, 27 Chamaelinoraps barbouri, 2
Analis hendersani hendersani, 61 Cuban Cave AnDIe, 15-16,15
Analis luciae, 28-29, 29 Cuban Grass AnDIe, 14
Analis marmaratus alliaceus, 29-31 Dorsal markings, of certain Anolis
Analis marmaratus caryae, 31-32 marmoratus females, 30
Analis marmaratus chrysaps, 32 Ecological niches, of various anoles, 6
Analis marmaratus desiradei, 32-33, 33 Eggs, 10
Analis (marmaratus) ferreus, 33-36,34-35, Green AnDIe, 3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17-20,18,
36,37 19
Analis marmaratus girafus, 36-37 Habitat, of Anolis ferreus, 5
Analis marmaratus group, 29-42 Jamaican AnDIe, 25-26, 25, 26
Analis marmaratus inarnatus, 37-38 Knight AnDIe, 1, 21-24, 21, 22, 23
Analis marmaratus kahauannensis, 38 Mating, 10, 11
Analis marmaratus marmaratlls, 38-39, 39 Panther AnDIe, 54-55, 55
Analis marmaratus setasus, 40 Puerto Rican Giant AnDIe, 20-21, 20
Analis marmaratus speciasus, 12,40-41,40, Range, of anoles, 5
41 Range, of certain Analis mannoratus
Analis marmaratus terraeaitae, 41-42 subspecies, 29
Analis aculatus cabritensis, 42-43, 43 Range, of certain Anolis roquet subspecies,
Analis aculatus group, 42-46 48
Analis aculatus mantanus, 43-44 Sexual characteristics, of male, 11
Analis aculatus aculatus, 44 Tropical Fish Habbyist, 2
 IDENTIFICATION

HABITAT

The tropical Caribbean is home to a

multitude of colorful, active anoles, but little
has been written on their care. This bc;.ok by
two noted German hobbyists is the first to
give specifics on keeping and breeding
many of the more interesting species and
subspecies. Fully illustrated in color, it is
filled with ,practical tips and first-hand
experiences that are sure to make this a BREEDING
useful, practical guide for all lizard
hobbyists.

ISBN 0-7938-0286-5
90000

Completely manufactured by
T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
1 TFH Plaza
Neptune, NJ 07753
U.S.A. o 18214 10286
Photos Enhanced with Foto·Glaze™.