Fauna
Reptile

Puerto Rican Crested Anole

Anolis cristatellus

Also known as Puerto Rican Crested Lizard, Crested Anole, Common Puerto Rican Anole

Puerto Rican crested anoles are diurnal, trunk-ground lizards that defend conspicuous perches on trees, fence posts, and urban walls. Males display an impressive, raised tail crest along with a vivid orange or yellow dewlap that flares open during territorial push-up routines. Highly adaptable and energetic, they leap between vertical surfaces to snatch insect prey while remaining alert for lurking birds and cats.

DiurnalArborealReptile
Puerto Rican Crested Anole reference1 / 7
(c) Thibaud Aronson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAnts, Beetles, Spiders
Predators
  • Kestrels
  • Herons
  • Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, invasive predators, extreme weather events
HabitatsTropical forests, coastal scrub, urban gardens, tree trunks, fences
Life span3–6 years
Classification
  1. FamilyDactyloidae
  2. SpeciesAnolis cristatellus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Capable of a mild pinch if caught or squeezed; safe to admire from a short distance.
Responsible observation
  • Perch Spotting: Look for them on lower tree trunks, fence posts, and sunny outdoor walls.
  • Dewlap Displays: Watch quietly near territorial males to see bright throat-fan extensions.
  • Gentle Distance: Stay two meters back so they remain calm and visible on their perches.
Related species
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