Water Anole

About the Water Anole

Anolis aquaticus, commonly known as the water anole, is a semi-aquatic species of anole, a lizard in the family Dactyloidae, native to southwestern Costa Rica and far southwestern Panama. The species demonstrates adaptations that allows it to spend periods of time underwater up to approximately a quarter of an hour, forming an air bubble which clings to its head and serves to recycle the animal's air supply while it spends time beneath the surface. Although highly unusual, similar adaptions and behavior are found in other species of semi-aquatic anoles.

The order of the water anole is Squamata, which refers to scaled reptiles. Squamata is the largest order of reptiles, including species of lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians. Members of this order are found on every continent other than Antarctica, and they live in a variety of habitats, while showcasing various different traits.

Iguania is a suborder that includes species of chameleons, iguanas, and New World lizards such as the water anole. Most species in the Iguania suborder are arboreal, meaning they travel by tree, but many other notable species are described as being terrestrial. They typically have tongues that... Wikipedia →