This unusual anole was spotted in my backyard in Miami, Florida (West Kendall area) on 16 March 2015. I’ve never seen a green anole this ornate with such a prominent nape crest, blue spotting, blue eye ring, and scapular spot! There were two males pumped up full of testosterone displaying and chasing each other in a stand of bamboo. Could this be a species other than A. carolinensis? Or maybe it’s a “high blue” green anole. In any case, it was a spectacular find for the day 🙂
Seen in Miami, FL 16 March 2015 by Marc Kramer DVM.
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Kenneth Barnett
Gorgeous, but not unprecedented at Miami, and at this time of year IMHO. This green I would personally align more with what at least WAS “A. porcatus.” I’ll let the molecular people set me straight, but there are questions as to a “true” porcatus at this time. There are animals that I personally would call akin to what some had called “porcatus,” types near Boca as well (i have photos)…..green anoles of a “carolinensis” complex, mixed with island greens, if I have my readings right. And these can show even more astonishing blues and spotting…with sometimes a dorsal crest almost full body.:-) Anyway, this anole is at the height of territorial defense, and you shot a fantastic image!!!! 🙂
Kenneth Barnett
Dr. Kramer,
Note some similarities to this relaxed male “porcatus” type, the Cuban Green, imaged last year at Boca Raton. This form IMHO is still locally valid. TRUE American Greens seem to occupy different habitats still. But I’d assume widespread interbreeding as well.
Kenny
Mark Whittaker
Definitely NOT a carolinensus. Depending on the size, maybe a crested in green display? I understand they have similar chameleon abilities. Carolinensus has no nape crest. Curious about the possibility of crossbreeding. Size is going to be determinate as to whether it’s one of the other island or Central American species.
Jonathan Losos
You are mistaken, Mr. Whittaker. It is well established that Anolis carolinensis can raise its nuchal (neck) crest during aggressive interactions. Also, the crested anole does not turn this shade of green.
Kenneth Barnett
Doc,
Note scapula spot in this angle…..
Kenny
Marc Kramer
Thanks everyone for your valuable feedback! -Marc Kramer
Armando Pou
Beautiful photo! I live in Kendall as well and have similarly observed a number of “blue” hued porcatus or carolinensis. One of the males is enormous, dwarfing all the others. Additionally, in my yard, the “greens” now seem to outnumber the” browns”.