Reptile · GBIF taxon 2467091
Crested Anole
Anolis cristatellusAlso known as Puerto Rican Crested Anole, Puerto Rican Crested Lizard, Common Puerto Rican Anole
Crested anoles are adaptable, medium-sized tree lizards recognized by the prominent fin-like crest along the tail of mature males. Diurnal and highly territorial, males perform energetic push-up displays and extend mustard-yellow to reddish throat dewlaps to establish dominance on lower tree trunks, fences, and urban walls. Females and juveniles display subtle patterning and smaller crests while sharing the same keen hunting agility for small invertebrates.
DiurnalTerritorialReptile
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Crickets
- Spiders
- Ants
Predators
- Birds of prey
- Snakes
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat destruction, domestic cat predation, and competition from introduced invasive species
HabitatsTropical dry forests, coastal scrub, urban parks, and suburban gardens
Life span3 to 5 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyDactyloidae
- SpeciesAnolis cristatellus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe Displays: Watch tree trunks and fence posts on sunny mornings for territorial push-up routines.
- Maintain Distance: Move slowly to watch natural hunting behavior without triggering a swift retreat.
Close Relative (c) Robert Michniewicz (edited by Ark), some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Kurt Miller, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) ritirene, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jennifer Aitkens, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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