Barred Anole

Barred Anole, Salmon Lizard (Eng.), Lagartijo Manchado (Sp.), Ctenonotus stratulus (Sci.), native: Puerto Rico, Isla Vieques, Isla Culebra, US and British Virgin Islands.

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) reports that the valid genus/species name(s) for eastern Antillean Anoles has been changed from Anolis to Ctenonotus.

Photo Brian Langerhans. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

Taxonomy: Class-Reptilia (reptiles), Order-Squamata (Amphibians/Reptiles), Suborder-Iguania (Iguanas), Family-Polychrotidae (anoloid lizards), Genus-Ctenonotus, Species-C.stratulus. The Barred Anole is a widely distributed species found in the lowlands and at intermediate locations in the mountains of Puerto Rico, Isla Vieques, Isla Culebra and the US and British Virgin Islands.

Description

C. stratulus males may be easily identified; unlike other Puerto Rican anolis lizards in this genus, with the exception of C. evermanni and C. occultus, it has no dorsal crest or tail fin. The species color is gray or brownish/greenish gray. It has pale, hour-glass shaped spots from nape to tail and a black, crescent shape appears behind the eye. Its throat is marked with raised brown ridges (striations) and a fold of loose skin (dewlap) is orange with light yellow scales. Its flanks are covered with irregular, small dark spots. C. stratulus is a small lizard, measuring 4 1/8 to 4 5/8 inches (40 to 45 millimeters) from snout to vent.

Habits

The Barred Anole consumes more food during the rainy season than during the dry season. An insectivore, ants appear to be a favorite item in its diet.

Habitat

In the Tabonuco (Dacryodes) zone of the El Yunque NF C. stratulus typically occupies the canopy, from 33 to 65 feet (10 to 20 meters) from the ground, usually preferring small branches, seldom straying more than 20 feet (6.2 meters) to forage or mate. Recent estimates indicate that there may be 46,000 Barred Anoles per acre (23,000 per hectare), making it the most prevalent species in this type of habitat.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

In the Tabonuco zone, below 2000 feet (609 meters) in forest canopy trees adjacent to the La Coca and Big Tree Nature Trails. Because C. stratulus typically occupies the higher (canopy) levels of the trees, it can be difficult to see, without using binoculars.