Jonathan Losos

Body Bobbing Brown Anole

On June 5, 2011

From today’s edition of Chipojolab. Go there to see the video:

“The head-bob displays of anoles have been studied for decades. In the early 1970’s, Tom Jenssen’s pioneering work began to unravel the intricacies of these motion signals. This work was followed by research conducted by Leo Fleishman (A.K.A. “Jefesisimo”), who elegantly demonstrated that head-bobs are designed to be conspicuous against background vegetation movement. Dave’s research is building upon the work of Tom and Leo by evaluating the plasticity of head-bobs, along with possible mechanisms that anoles might employ to increase the likelihood of being detected by conspecifics. Today’s video illustrates one such mechanism: note (in slow motion) how the anole is pushing so vigorously with his forelimbs that both limbs leave the perch! This behavior results in extremely high amplitude displays, which should be easily detected by conspecifics.”

Many Hawaiians Don’t Like Brown Anoles

By Jonathan Losos

On June 5, 2011

In Introduced Anoles

Last Thursday, the Kokua Line column of the Honolulu Star Advertiser fielded a question on how to get rid of brown anoles. The answer was: no way (the officer at the state Vector Control Branch told the author that if she found out “how to eradicate these lizards, to be sure to call him back and let him know.”). However, the local citizenry disagreed, and in the 23 comments (see below), provided a number of solutions, as well as debate on the wisdom of anole eradication. Several readers also made the claim, echoing that heard in Florida and discussed here, that brown anoles supplant greens (also introduced to Hawaii).

nitestalker2 22 hours ago

get a couple of cats. all the cats i’ve ever had have taken care of the b52s*, birds, mice and rats, geckos of every stripe, etc. had one that would bring all her mice/rat kills very proudly to the front door mat and leave them there while purring for applause. she was a very efficient killer.

4 people liked this. Like ReplyReply

*Editor’s Note: according to my friend, Dan Devaney, “b52s” refers to “Hawaii’s unofficial state bird, the B-52 Flying Cockroach.” For more information, go here.

Page One of Downloadable Information Guide for This Year’s Evolution Meetings

By Jonathan Losos

On June 3, 2011

In All Posts

Lizard Noosing Material Update

By Jonathan Losos

On June 2, 2011

In Notes from the Field, Research Methods

Equaline? CVS? 'Fraid not.

A few months back, we had a lively discussion of the best material to use to make a lizard noose.

I and others went old school and advocated dental floss as the lariat of choice. In this vein, I have an update. Now in the field in the Bahamas, Jason Kolbe and I have been using two newish brands of the waxy stuff, and neither of us has a good thing to say. I have been using a new type, “Just the Basics,” which seems to be a CVS store brand. All I can say is: Avoid!!! By “basics,” they mean “basically terrible.” It frays very quickly, so that by the time you’ve snagged your third lizard, you have to make another noose. Very annoying. Meanwhile, Jason has been using a floss produced by Equaline. He gives it two thumbs down, claiming that it disintegrates—believe it or not—after a single lizard capture.

How the Presence of Curly Tailed Lizards Affects Brown Anole Behavior

By Jonathan Losos

On May 30, 2011

In Notes from the Field

Over at Chipojolab, the Chipojo Bobo himself and his merry band of ethologists are providing regular updates on their research on the behavior of brown anoles, and how it is affected by the presence of predatory curly-tailed lizards. Check it out, and follow the exploits of Nolan, the conch-shell inhabiting bull sagrei.

p.s. In Cuba, the locals refer to crown giant anoles, members of the A. equestris group as “chipojos.” False chameleons, Chamaeleolis, are called “chipojo bobos,” meaning, more-or-less, clumsy crown giant anoles.

Find the Anoles

By Jonathan Losos

On May 29, 2011

In Anole Annals Trivia

It’s time for the latest installment of our perennial crowd pleaser, Find the Anole!

In picture #1, we have three questions:

1) How many species of anoles are in this picture?

2) Which species are they?

3) Bonus Points: What is the interesting evolutionary/biogeographical story represented here?

Picture #2 is a tough one.

Thirsty, Thirsty Anoles

By Jonathan Losos

On May 26, 2011

In Natural History Observations

It’s been very dry here in the Bahamas; we’ve barely seen any rain at all. So, when a few drops splattered mid-afternoon, out came the lizards, slurping up every droplet they could find. In the subsequent 30 minutes, I found six Bahamian green anoles (A. smaragdinus), compared to a rate of 1-2/hour for the rest of the day (this rate, in turn, twice as high as in previous days because it was cloudy and cool).

Ever watched an anole drink when it’s thirsty? This video shows what it looks like.

Name That Evolutionary Icon

By Jonathan Losos

On May 25, 2011

In Notes from the Field

While out studying everyone’s favorite evolutionary radiation in the Bahamas, one can’t help but come across exemplars of another important evolutionary group, pictured above. Can anyone tell us what that group is, and what its place is in the history of evolutionary biology?

Anole Annals Wants You!

By Jonathan Losos

On May 24, 2011

In All Posts

Sum, sum, summertime, and Anole Annals readers of all stripes are out there, finding and studying anoles. Why not tell us what you’re seeing and doing? Observations, anecdotes, photographs, descriptions of research projects–the anole world needs to know! Or comment on a new paper, or an old one that made an impression. Or any other aspect of anoliana that comes to mind. Anole Annals welcomes posts on all matters anoline.

In it’s brief existence, AA has already published posts by 21 authors, and many more have commented. Why don’t you join the team? Information on how to post is available here.

p.s. Bonus points to anyone who can name the species above.

p.p.s. Thanks to Melissa Woolley for constructing the image above.

Land of the Three-Footed Lizards

By Jonathan Losos

On May 23, 2011

In Natural History Observations

I noted recently that the brown anoles here in Staniel Cay seem exceptionally skittish, and we don’t know why. Perhaps it’s a coincidence, but we’ve found a trio of three-footed lizards. What’s going on?

Author: Jonathan Losos Page 123 of 133