Description: In terms of colour and morphology, Allison's anole is superficially similar to the better-known American green anole. While females are overall green with paler underparts, similar to the green anole, males have a reddish-pink dewlap, and typically have bright blue heads, forelegs, and frontal half of the body (in males from Honduras, only parts of the head are blue with the remaining green). In all individuals the throat is usually white. Both sexes are able to rapidly change their colour to brown. Females reach about 3 inches in snout-vent length and males about 4 inches. It is one of the larger species in the carolinensis species group. Allison's anole is a typical trunk-crown anole. Like other anoles in the carolinensis group, it has a large, conspicuously triangular-shaped head, and males have a prominent nuchal crest. This lizard has large subdigital toepads, which help facilitate climbing and clinging to vertical surfaces.
Habitat:A. allisoni is a trunk-crown anole, meaning that it is commonly found in the canopy and on the upper trunk of tall trees. It is commonly found up to 4.9 feet off the ground. This anole has evolved large subdigital toepads, compared to most other anoles, and this adaptations helps it to cling to vertical surfaces such as the trunks of trees. This lizard is most commonly seen on coconut palm trees. Before coconuts were introduced to the island of Half Moon Caye the lizard probably occupied a similar niche in the crowns of salt water palmettos (Thrinax radiata, which was exterminated from the island in 1982. It has been suggested that this plant be reintroduced to the island to provide habitat for the lizards, especially since the coconut palm population on Half Moon Caye has been gradually declining. In more urban areas this lizard may be commonly be seen on walls and other man-made structures. It is a common sight on the island of Cuba, where its population is largest. In Florida, the introduced populations are restricted to a few neighborhoods as of 2021. Their numbers are likely growing as many residents have become aware of the lizards, which show no fear of humans and regularly climb on building walls and nest in yards.
Range:A. allisoni is believed to have originated on Cuba but has since spread to Honduras and Half Moon Caye. This migration is believed to have occurred long ago as the different populations on these three locations display sufficient phenotypical and genetic differentiation to be considered for subspecies status. Few specimens have been identified in Mexican Banco Chinchorro island. A. allisoni has been documented in several neighborhoods within southern Florida, surviving and apparently breeding in both small parks and residential housing. This population is likely of Cuban origin and was brought to Florida as eggs accidentally ferried with plants.
Diet: This diurnal species is commonly seen on palm trunks, and it feeds on invertebrates.
Reproduction: It is among the relatively few anole species in which females may lay their eggs together, forming a communal nest.
Status: Introduced Species. Listed as Least Concern because of its wide distribution, abundance, expanding range, and adaptability to human habitation.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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