Malpelo anole
| Malpelo anole | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Polychrotidae |
| Genus: | Anolis |
| Species: | A. agassizi |
| Binomial name | |
| Anolis agassizi | |
The Malpelo anole (Anolis agassizi) is a species of anole lizard endemic to Malpelo Island, part of Colombia.
Males grow to 89-114 mm in length, while females may reach 79-84 mm. 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. A. aggasizi 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.[1]
References
- ↑ Biological Investigation of Malpelo Island, Jeffrey B. Graham, http://www.sil.si.edu/smithsoniancontributions/zoology/pdf_hi/SCTZ-0176.pdf