In August of last year, my wife and I made the move from Maryland to Florida so that I could begin my graduate work on signal evolution at the University of Miami. All of my research experience to that point had been centered on avian communication, but it wasn’t long after moving to Miami that my attention was drawn to the massive number of anoles displaying throughout my community. I’ll admit, one year ago my interest in anoles did not go beyond thinking that they were just another cool group of reptiles. However, in the six short months since moving to the area, it will come as no surprise to the Anole Annals community that I am hooked on these fascinating lizards.
This post serves as a friendly hello to everyone here at AA, as well as a quick note of gratitude to all who contribute to making this site such a fun and informative place for all things anole. On that note, I thought it was time I share something myself, and so I’ve included a video I recently recorded of two male bark anoles sizing each other up on a tree near my home. Of course, the video clarity seemed much nicer on my phone, but nonetheless, I hope you all enjoy!
httpv://youtu.be/R-1RlH38DCw
- Evolution 2018: Dominica Anoles Change Up Their Displays when Faced with New Competition - August 25, 2018
- Evolution 2018: Speed Is Key for Anoles in the City - August 25, 2018
- Anolis equestris: Miami’s Favorite Cannibal - April 9, 2015
Martha Muñoz
Welcome, Winter! Thanks for sharing this video. It brought back great memories of the summer of 2012, which I spent observing A. distichus display at each other in the Dominican Republic. During one-hour observations, they displayed nearly all the time, which was really impressive.
Seeing as how you’re in the beating heart of American anole country, I hope there will be more videos and observations to come.
Winter Beckles
Definitely! I’m hoping to see some awesome displays as the season moves forward, so as long as I’ve got a camera handy I’ll be sure to share. Thanks for the warm welcome.
Oscar Watermann
Hey Winter,
This is really a cool post. I have seen single anole displays before, but never caught two in the act of full display with one another. Great timing! Keep filming–I lost forward to future posts.
Oscar
Brian Hillen
I haven’t seen any of the Miami species that I have observed maintain dewlap extension, let along while doing pushups. When taking photos it’s always a trick to get the dewlap in picture because it’s always a rhythmic event.
Thanks for the video!
Aaron
He was seemingly trying to intimidate the other with his “dewlap extension” but another question I have is how did the author capture the video? Did you search for it or was it easily found on a walk? We do Termite Inspections and have to really inspect for our findings, this seems like a rare just walking through the park never can replicate moment, is this true?
Winter Beckles
Glad you enjoyed the video, Brian.
Aaron: As it turns out, I was indeed looking for A. distichus displays that day. I was not expecting to find something so cool though. These guys are pretty well represented throughout my neighborhood, so while catching them in the act again may not be easy, I sure hope I will be able to.