During a recent trip to the interior of Colombia (March 2013), we spotted this large striking anole. It was located just outside the town of Barichara, on the ancient Camino Real trail to Guane. Average elevation of this area is approximately 4,200 feet. Can anyone help identify this species and gender?
As it was early in morning, the anole had just begun to bask in the morning sun. It had probably not thoroughly warmed its body yet, and made for an easy capture! We examined, photographed, and released unharmed. -Marc Kramer, DVM (Miami, FL)
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Gabriel N. Ugueto
It is not an anole. Just looks a bit like one. It is a Polychrus cf. marmoratus. Polychrus marmoratus as currently understood is a complex of similar species. This is a very beautiful individual.
Kenneth E. Barnett
Its a Polycrhus, remember seeing these. . .:-)
Philip M. Fortman
While the confab over reorganizing the taxonomy of the Anolis genus has died down, it would seem this Polycrhus is more similar, especially in the structure of the head to the Knight Anole (Anolis equestris). Does A. equestris really need to be in with Polycrhus? What DNA work is being done under Polychrotidae? DNA studies have really upset many Aves (bird) classifications.
Gabriel N. Ugueto
Polychrus is not really closely related to Anolis. You can see this previous entry https://www.anoleannals.org/2011/08/03/new-multilocus-phylogeny-confirms-that-polychrus-is-not-sister-to-anolis/
Although Polychus may somewhat resemble large Caribbean anoles like A. equestris, it certainly does not behave like one! I would compare its behavior to a large twig anole. Polychrus moves relatively slowly and it often uses twig or slender branches. Unlike twig anoles though, Polychrus has a very long, thin and semiprehensile tail that aids tremendously when they move among the branches. I guess this is why they are often called Monkey Lizards in English.