Morphology and ecology of the Mexican cave anole Anolis alvarezdeltoroi

Date

2015-09

Authors

Scarpetta, Simon
Gray, Levi
Nieto Montes De Oca, Adrian
Del Rosario Castañeda, Maria
Herrel, Anthony
Losos, Jonathan B.
Luna-Reyes, Roberto
Jimenez Lang, Noe
Poe, Steven

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Mesoamerican Herpetology

Abstract

We redescribe the ecologically unusual lizard Anolis alvarezdeltoroi, previously known from a single specimen, based on newly collected and previously unidentified preserved specimens from the type-locality region in Chiapas, as well as new localities in Veracruz and Oaxaca. We include information on color, morphological variation, and natural history. Anolis alvarezdeltoroi occupies limestone caves, an unusual habitat for anoles. We found individuals active on limestone surfaces during the day at heights from 0.42 to 5 m, and sleeping mainly in cave interiors, with some individuals observed on ceilings deep within caves.

Description

LCSH Subject Headings

Citation

Scarpetta, S., L. Gray, A. Nieto Montes de Oca, M. Castañeda, A. Herrel, J. B. Losos, R. Luna-Reyes, N. Jiménez Lang, and S. Poe. 2015. Morphology and ecology of the Mexican cave anole Anolis alvarezdeltoroi. Mesoamerican Herpetology 2: 261–270.