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Anolis agassizi facts for kids

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Anolis agassizi
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Anolis
Species:
agassizi
Synonyms
  • Anolis agassizi
    Stejneger, 1900
  • Dactyloa agassizi
    — Nicholson et al., 2005
  • Anolis agassizi
    — Zug, 2013

Agassiz's anole (Anolis agassizi) is a species of lizard in the family Dactyloidae. The species is endemic to Malpelo Island, which is part of Colombia.

Etymology

The specific name, agassizi, is in honour of Alexander Agassiz, who was an American zoologist and mining engineer.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of A. agassizi is moist rocky areas, at altitudes from sea level to 376 m (1,234 ft).

Description

Males of A. agassizi grow to 89–114 mm (3.5–4.5 in) snout-to-vent length (SVL), while females may reach 79–84 mm (3.1–3.3 in) SVL. The females and some of the males have spotted heads and grey-brown colouration. The remainder of the males have black nuptial crests, grow larger, and have larger testes. The reason for this is unknown, but may be related to the reduced predation on larger males.

Ecology

Anolis agassizi is less territorial than other anoles, sharing perches and food sources without dispute. Their territories often overlap. Malpelo Island is quite barren of vegetation, and the anoles mainly eat insects, especially beetles. Based on an attraction to the colour orange, they may also eat bird eggs, as large numbers of boobies nest on the island. Their main predator is Diploglossus millepunctatus.

Reproduction

A. agassizi is oviparous.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Lagartija de Malpelo para niños

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