Reptile · GBIF taxon 2467091
Puerto Rican Crested Anole
Anolis cristatellusAlso 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
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Ants
- 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
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
- 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.
Genus Member (c) Jennifer Aitkens, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) ritirene, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Image unavailableClose Relative 
Close Relative (c) Robert Michniewicz (edited by Ark), some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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