Bark anole
The bark anole, also known as the North Caribbean bark anole or Hispaniolan gracile anole, is a small lizard species native to Hispaniola and the Bahamas, with introduced populations in Florida. Primarily arboreal, it is characterized by its variable coloration, ranging from gray-brown to green, and a dewlap that can be cream-white, yellow, orange, or red. It spends most of its time on tree trunks and exhibits a diverse range of subspecies.
Key Facts
- ›Native to Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and the Bahamas.
- ›Introduced to Florida, first recorded in 1946.
- ›Spends most of its time on tree trunks.
- ›Coloration is highly variable, ranging from gray-brown to green.
- ›Dewlap color varies from cream-white to yellow, orange, or red.
- ›A relatively small anole, reaching up to 12.7 cm (5.0 in) in length.
Bark Anole, North Caribbean Bark Anole, Hispaniolan Gracile Anole
Hispaniola, Bahamas, Florida
- Body Color Ranges From Gray-Brown To Green.
- Dewlap Color Varies From Cream-White To Yellow, Orange, and Red.
- In Florida, Commonly Gray-Brown With A Cream-White Or Pale Yellow Dewlap; Some Individuals Are Greenish With A Yellow-Edged Red Dewlap.
- A Fairly Small Anole.
Spends Most of Its Time On Tree Trunks.
About Bark anole
The bark anole (Anolis distichus), also known as the North Caribbean bark anole or Hispaniolan gracile anole, is a species of lizard native to the Caribbean islands of Hispaniola and the Bahamas. It has also been introduced to Florida, where it was first observed in 1946.
Habitat and Behavior
This species is primarily arboreal, meaning it spends most of its time on tree trunks. Its coloration is highly variable, commonly ranging from shades of gray-brown to green, allowing it to blend with its surroundings. The dewlap, a flap of skin under the throat, also exhibits diverse coloration, varying from cream-white to yellow, orange, or red depending on the individual and location.
Physical Characteristics and Distribution
Bark anoles are considered relatively small lizards, with adults reaching lengths of up to 12.7 centimeters (5.0 inches). While native to Hispaniola and the Bahamas, introduced populations in Florida exhibit some regional variations in color, with many being gray-brown with pale yellow dewlaps, while others are greener with red-edged dewlaps. Several subspecies of Anolis distichus have been described, suggesting significant genetic diversity within the species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Anolis distichus?
Anolis distichus is commonly known as the bark anole. It is also referred to as the North Caribbean bark anole or the Hispaniolan gracile anole.
Where is the bark anole naturally found?
The bark anole is native to the island of Hispaniola, which includes both the Dominican Republic and Haiti, as well as the Bahamas.
Has the bark anole been introduced to other regions?
Yes, the bark anole has been introduced to Florida, where it was first documented in 1946. It has established populations in this region.
What is the typical habitat of the bark anole?
The bark anole is an arboreal species, spending most of its time on tree trunks. Its habitat is therefore closely associated with wooded areas.
How large do bark anoles get?
Bark anoles are considered fairly small anoles. They can reach a length of up to 12.7 centimeters, or approximately 5.0 inches.
What are the color variations of the bark anole?
The bark anole is highly variable in color. Its body can range from gray-brown to green. In Florida, individuals are often gray-brown with a cream-white dewlap, though greener individuals with red-edged dewlaps also exist.
Related Lizards
Black-lipped forest lizard (Calotes nigrilabris)
The Black-lipped forest lizard (Calotes nigrilabris), also known as the black-cheek lizard, is an agamid species found only in Sri Lanka. It is easily distinguished from similar species by a black bar on its mouth, unlike the white or orange bars seen in others. This largely arboreal lizard inhabits tree trunks, hedges, and shrubs in submontane and montane regions, where it actively hunts insects and worms during the day.
Taiwan japalure
The Taiwan japalure, scientifically known as Diploderma swinhonis, is a species of draconid lizard native to Taiwan, also recognized as an invasive species in Japan. This diurnal, arboreal lizard is a foraging ambush predator, primarily feeding on arthropods and often found in lowland forests and even urban environments. Males are notably larger than females and possess distinctive yellow stripes, while both sexes share brown backs.
Puerto Rican crested anole
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