Nonnatives - Cuban Green Anole

Cuban Green Anole - Anolis porcatus

Florida's Nonnative Wildlife. Species detail.

First year: 1980s

Extirpated year:

Established status: Populations are confirmed breeding and apparently self-sustaining for 10 or more consecutive years.

Estimated Florida range: 1 county  At least 10 years

Statewide trend: Unknown status

Threats to natives: May compete with the green anole (Anolis carolinensis) (Meshaka et al. 1997)

Species Account: The Cuban green anole uses the trunk and canopy of trees from 1-6 m above the ground. A colony in North Miami was established around 1991, but a colony in South Miami is about 4 years older (Meshaka et al. 1997). It primarily preys upon small insects, but nectar, flowers, fruit, and smaller lizards are also eaten (Meshaka et al. 1997, Townsend 2003). Its broad diet, familiarity with sympatric exotic anole species, and persistent colonies suggest that this species will succeed in other parts of extreme southern Florida, but it may be limited by the ubiquity of the abundant, predatory knight anole (Anolis equestris). (Meshaka et al. 1997)

Habitats: Low density suburban development, areas peripheral to core urban areas, and small towns

References

Meshaka, W. E., Jr., R. M. Clouse, B. P. Butterfield, and J. B. Hauge. 1997. The Cuban green anole, Anolis porcatus: a new anole established in Florida. Herpetological Review 28:101-102.

Townsend, J. H. 2003. Anolis porcatus (Cuban green anole). Nectivory. Herpetological Review 34:141-142.

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