St. Lucia anole

St. Lucia anole
St Lucia Anole, Anolis luciae
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Iguanidae
Subfamily: Polychrotidae
Genus: Anolis
Species: A. luciae
Binomial name
Anolis luciae
Garman, 1887
Synonyms
  • Anolis trinitatis procuratoris Underwood, 1959

The St. Lucia anole (Anolis luciae) is a species of anole lizard that is endemic to Saint Lucia, an island-nation in the Caribbean Lesser Antilles. It is widespread on Saint Lucia and its offshore islets.

Its coloration and markings vary. Its dorsal ground color ranges from brown in drier habitats to bright green in wetter areas. Some populations have blue coloration on their sides, and its ventral surface may be white or yellowish. The area around its eye may be white, blue, or green. Males may be patternless or have reticulations or chevron patterns on their dorsal surface. Females are duller than males, and may have a mid-dorsal stripe or dark chevron markings.

It co-exists on Saint Lucia with two introduced anole species: A. extremus and A. wattsi. A. luciae appears to be resisting competition, and the two invasive species are restricted to areas around the capital, Castries.


References

  • Malhotra, Anita; Thorpe, Roger S. (1999), Reptiles & Amphibians of the Eastern Caribbean, Macmillan Education Ltd., p. 93, ISBN 0-333-69141-5 .

See also

External links

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