Crested Anole

anolis cristatellus

The Crested Anole, or Puerto Rican Crested Anole (Anolis cristatellus), is a highly adaptable and charismatic lizard native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Known for its striking appearance, the mature male of this species proudly displays a prominent, sail-like crest along its back and tail, which it uses to establish dominance and attract mates. Like many anoles, they possess an impressive ability to communicate using a brightly colored throat fan, known as a dewlap. Fascinatingly resilient, Crested Anoles have seamlessly integrated into human-modified environments and have even expanded their range as an introduced species in Florida and parts of Central America. Their rapid evolutionary adaptations to urban habitats, such as developing longer limbs and specialized toe pads for gripping smooth artificial surfaces, make them an intriguing subject for modern evolutionary biology.

Habitat: Found in tropical forests and open woodlands, typically perching on lower tree trunks, branches, or the ground.

Appearance

Crested Anoles are small to medium-sized lizards typically ranging from brown to grayish-brown, though they can rapidly shift their coloration to dark brown, pale green, or almost black depending on temperature and mood. The most distinguishing feature is found in mature males, which possess a distinct, fleshy crest running down their back and along the tail. Males also sport a large, extendable dewlap (throat fan) that is usually a vibrant yellow or orange with a deep reddish-orange center. Females are generally smaller, lack the prominent dorsal crest, and may have a faint mid-dorsal stripe. Both sexes have long, slender toes equipped with adhesive pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces with ease.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassReptiliaOrderSquamataFamilyAnolidaeGenusAnolis

Crested Anole

Interesting facts

The 'crest' that gives the Crested Anole its name is actually supported by elongated bones extending from the vertebrae, similar to the sails of some ancient dinosaurs.

Urban-dwelling Crested Anoles have rapidly evolved longer legs and more specialized toe pads to help them navigate smooth surfaces like glass windows and painted concrete.

When threatened by a predator, they have the ability to drop their tail (autotomy) to escape, eventually regenerating a new, albeit shorter and cartilaginous, tail.

Special abilities

They can rapidly change their skin color from shades of brown to green or black in response to temperature, light, and social interactions.

Males possess a vibrant yellow and orange throat fan called a dewlap, which they extend rhythmically to attract mates or warn off rival males.

Their specialized toe pads are covered in microscopic hairs that utilize Van der Waals forces, allowing them to scale smooth vertical surfaces.

Measurements & details

Length: 12-18 cm
Weight: 0.004-0.01 kg
Lifespan: 2-4 years
Top Speed: 8 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-2
Incubation: 40-55 days

Diet & Feeding

Crested Anoles primarily feed on a wide variety of small invertebrates, though they will occasionally consume small fruits, seeds, or even smaller lizards.

Age differences: Juveniles consume much smaller insects, while large adults may occasionally prey on small vertebrates, including smaller anole species.

Primary Foods

Spiders
Ants
Beetles
Crickets
Flies

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

eaten by

Pearly-eyed Thrasher

Margarops fuscatus

This native Caribbean bird frequently preys upon crested anoles in forested and urban habitats.

competitor

Brown Anole

Anolis sagrei

In introduced regions like Florida, they compete for territory, basking spots, and food resources.

hunts

Carpenter Ants

Camponotus spp.

Crested Anoles actively hunt and consume various ant species as a staple part of their invertebrate diet.

Traits

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Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Crested Anole?

The easiest way to identify Crested Anole is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Crested Anole?

12-18 cm

How much does Crested Anole weigh?

0.004-0.01 kg

How long does Crested Anole live?

2-4 years

How fast can Crested Anole move?

8 km/h

What does Crested Anole eat?

Crested Anoles primarily feed on a wide variety of small invertebrates, though they will occasionally consume small fruits, seeds, or even smaller lizards.

Where is Crested Anole usually found?

Found in tropical forests and open woodlands, typically perching on lower tree trunks, branches, or the ground.

How does Crested Anole hunt?

Ambush