Green Anole, Costa Rica
The world of reptiles is a vast one. In the lizard Order of Squamata alone, there are 7,000 species. While birding in the jungles of Costa Rica, I came across a lizard species that was new to me: the anole.
It is a common lizard, with 390 species in the genus Anolis, found primarily in North, Central and South America. It’s pronounced a-NO-lee.
Our guided birding group was intimate, only seven of us, including a family from our small inn. The parents photographed and birded, while their two teenage sons searched for reptiles. We birders had plenty of exotic and colorful new birds to keep us busy and happy, but after a time I took an interest in the quiet activities of the two boys.
Anole, Costa Rica
I come from rattlesnake country. We leave rocks and logs alone. So when I saw these two boys confidently rolling over rocks and digging in leaf debris, I was aghast. But as the morning unfolded, the treasures the brothers shared were wonderfully enlightening.
They kept finding anoles everywhere. A very small lizard that fit in the palm of one’s hand, of various colors and sizes. More about the anole here. These boys were experts at finding the reptiles, handling them, and treating them with love and respect. (They found great frogs too, more about that from a previous post: Poison Dart Frogs )
Green and Black Poison Dart Frog
And now, when it’s cold enough that the rattlesnakes are still dormant, I find myself peeking under logs looking for newts and frogs. It’s a big world under there!
Photo credit: Athena Alexander
Jet Eliot 
We saw lizards in Kona, they must like the tropical weather. That is beautiful image of the frog!
They’re fun little creatures, aren’t they? Yes, they like the tropical weather. There are so many types of lizards, it is mind-boggling. Glad you enjoyed the post, Amy — and thanks so much for your comment. 🙂
These guys are very abundant in Florida too! They are running around everywhere! Nice post Jet! Thanks! 🙂
I’ve read they have a lot of the green anole in Florida; was glad to get your confirmation, HJ. In California we have the western fence lizard running around everywhere, but not the green anole. Very glad you enjoyed the post, HJ. Always a treat to have you visit– 😀
Hello Athena,
These are great! I love these ‘smaller’ animals. It must have been a grand outing 🙂
Hi Takami, Jet here. Yes it was indeed a grand outing, because I learned so much about reptiles. I’ll tell Athena how much you enjoyed her photos. Many thanks, my friend, for your visit and comments. 😀 😀
Thank you Jet! And forgive me the silly mix-up with your name. I realise I’ve been doing a lot 😦 I’ll be more careful next time 😀
😀 😀
A beauty!
Thank you my friend! 🙂
Love the anole! As if you couldn’t tell by my Gravatar. Fantastic shots and post.
Oh thanks so much, Shannon. I’m glad you found the post! 😀
I stumbled onto it in a WP “birding” quest. I am almost never disappointed in whom I find his way! Cheers. I followed and will be back.
😀
Reading this article meant a lot to me. When I was 11, I had a anole lizard called Gilbert (it was recently pointed out to me, how did I know his gender? I didn’t, he just looked like a ‘he’). I ‘rescued’ Gilbert from a pet shop where he was in a tiny jar next to a tarantula. Gilbert looked happier after, though my mum didn’t. He lived in a huge tank on top of my piano and would make my teacher nervous. I didn’t know much about him as back then there wasn’t much help for exotic pets, but we did ok. Now I know lots about anole lizards, and Gilbert. Thanks for posting Jet.
I really appreciate knowing this story, Emma; and I smile as I type, happy that my essay took you back to your childhood pal Gilbert. Many, many thanks. 😀
very green and lovely 🙂
thank you Jet
With that bright green you would think they would stand out, but they blend right in to the many greens of the jungle. Thank you Niki! 🙂
Wow. You are brave. I tend to leave the rocks alone in any season.
Well I started a new thing, and it’s that I wear garden gloves when I do it, and that’s helped. And in the summer when the rattlers are around, I do not do it. Many thanks, Elena! 😀
Hi dearest Jet ! Seemingly, you killed two birds with one stone … Great post with wondrous details on Lizard’s big world … We have quite many species here in Greece,you see them basking in the hot sun only during summer,they disappear in winter,they hibernate like snakes.Lovely photos included,I particularly like the fluorescent green colours of the Green Anole and the dart frog.
Take care and have a wonderful day 🙂 xxx
Hi Doda! Yes, the lizard world is a fun, one, isn’t it? Where I live the lizards hibernate in the winter too, and when they come out in the spring the earth is literally hopping. I am happy when they wake up. So glad you enjoyed the lizard discussion, dear Doda, and I love it when you visit. Thanks so much my friend! 😀 😀
Anoles! I have some images of them from Abaco, and now I realise I must get on and find out more about them before posting them! Thanks for the prompt. Love the frog too. RH
I would imagine with your tropical location you have some great reptiles, though I wonder how far you are from a mainland? Glad you enjoyed the post, RH. 😀