Pygmy Anole

Pygmy (or Dwarf) Anole, Puerto Rican Twig Anole (Eng.), Lagartijo Pigmeo (Sp.), Anolis occultus (Sci.), native, mountain forests of Puerto Rico.

Photo Jonathan Losos 1996. 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-Anolis, Species-A. occultus. The Pygmy Anole is a canopy dwelling lizard species found in the mountains of Puerto Rico. It does not appear to be related to any other Puerto Rican Anolis species.

Description

Anolis occultus is a small lizard about 1 ¼ inches (31. 75 millimeters) in snout-to-vent length. It is a slender species with short limbs and tail and a downward sloping snout. Unlike other anolis lizards, both sexes are almost identical in appearance. It has been theorized, but not proven that A. occultus might be monogamous. The tail is round without a dorsal crest and is covered above with small scales. A. occultus coloration varies through white, brown, olive-green, yellowish-green or dirty orange. It may have mottling on the head, radiating eye lines, body banding and one or two distinct yellow spots on the base of the tail. The dewlap is usually pinkish-gray and can be retracted into a slot on the front of the chest.

Habits

The Pygmy Anole usually sleeps on twigs or vines with its tail curled around the perch. When threatened it often makes a persistent squeaking noise. Its movements are usually slow and cautious; the eyes are protuberant and capable of independent movement.

Habitat

It has been suggested that A. occultus is a canopy dweller, inhabiting branches, twigs and other foliage only when there is a break in the canopy, but this has not been proven.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

Due to its rarity and its diurnal canopy dwelling habits, A. occultus is rarely seen during the daytime in the El Yunque National Forest. At night it can be seen sleeping on twigs and branches near nature trails at higher elevations.