Anolis bimaculatus (Sparrman, 1784)

Common Names

Anolis bimaculatus, commonly called the panther anole, is also known as the St. Eustatius anole or Statia Bank tree anole.

Species Classification

This is a species of anole lizard that is endemic to the Caribbean Lesser Antilles.

Distribution Range

It occurs on the St. Kitts Bank of islands, which includes Saint Kitts, Nevis, and Sint Eustatius.

Male Size

Males of this species can reach a snout-to-vent length of 123 mm, and their coloration varies somewhat depending on their size.

Large Male Dorsal Coloration

Larger males have a bright green to yellow-green dorsal surface that is typically spotted or marbled with gray, brown, or black.

Ventral Coloration

The ventral surface of this anole ranges from dull white to yellow to light green.

Dewlap Characteristics

Compared to other anoles, this species has a proportionately small dewlap, which is yellow or orange, and occasionally has whitish scales.

Female and Small Male Traits

Females are smaller and duller in color, and smaller males of this species also share these traits.

Population and Elevation Range

This species is relatively common on Saint Kitts and Nevis, and is widespread across elevations up to around 300 m.

Sympatric Species

Across its entire range, Anolis bimaculatus coexists with A. schwartzi, a much smaller species that differs from it in many aspects of ecology and behavior.

Taxonomic Revision

A former subspecies of this lizard, A. b. leachi, has been reclassified and elevated to full species status.