Recently, a friend found the anole pictured above in Mompiche, Ecuador. As of now, the identity of this anole remains unknown.

The closest matches I could find were Anolis bombiceps and A. lyra, but there were problems with both of those species. Anolis bombiceps lacks a spot on the dewlap, and is not known to occur as far west as Mompiche. On the other hand, Anolis lyra seemingly has either a red or white dewlap without any blue coloration. This individual seems to match up perfectly with A. lyra in all other regards.

This may simply be an individual displaying unusual dewlap coloration, but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts (Editor’s note: AA‘s comment function is broken, so please use the form below).

Thanks in advance!

EDITOR’S UPDATE: SEVERAL READERS WROTE BELLA TO SAY THAT THIS IS A FEMALE A. LYRA. NOTE THE DIFFERENCE IN COLOR OF THE DEWLAP IN BELLA’S PHOTOS AND THE ONES IN A PREVIOUS POST ON ANOLE DEWLAP SEXUAL DICHROMATISM.

 

Latest posts by Bella Gonzalez (see all)