Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Suborder Iguania Scientific name Anolis gingivinus | Phylum Chordata Order Squamata Family Polychrotidae Rank Species | |
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Similar Bearded anole, Watts' Anole, Anolis bimaculatus, Anolis lividus, Anolis griseus | ||
The Anguilla Bank anole or Anguilla anole (Anolis gingivinus) is a species of anole lizard that is endemic to the Caribbean Lesser Antilles.
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Geographic range
It is found on the Anguilla Bank of islands, which comprise Anguilla and its satellites, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy; and on the smaller, nearby Sombrero bank (politically part of Anguilla).
Description
Males can reach a length of 72 mm snout-to-vent. It has an olive to light green dorsal ground color, with a broad mid-dorsal stripe and a light stripe along its flanks. Its belly is cream to bright yellow. Males may also have gray-brown marbling or be heavily spotted.
Ecology
It is widespread and common on Anguilla and many of its satellites, though it is heavily preyed on there by American kestrels. It was the only anole species on Anguilla and throughout most of its range, until the recent introduction to Anguilla of A. carolinensis. A. gingivinus coexists on Saint Martin with A. pogus. Their distribution there does not completely overlap, and where they are both found they appear to fill different niches, for example by A. gingivinus preferring higher and more exposed perches.