About Anolis distichus Cope, 1861
Common Names
Anolis distichus Cope, 1861 is commonly known as the bark anole, North Caribbean bark anole, or Hispaniolan gracile anole.
Native Range
It is a species of anole lizard native to Hispaniola (which includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti) and the Bahamas.
Introduced Range
It has also been introduced to Florida, where it was first recorded in 1946.
Habitat Behavior
This lizard spends most of its time on tree trunks.
Subspecies and Color Variability
Several subspecies of Anolis distichus exist, and the species is highly variable in color.
Body and Dewlap Coloration
Its body base color ranges from gray-brown to green, while its dewlap can vary from cream-white, through yellow and orange, to red.
Florida Population Coloration
In Florida, most individuals are gray-brown with a cream-white (pale yellow) dewlap, though more greenish individuals with a yellow-edged red dewlap can also be found.
Size
It is a fairly small anole, with a maximum total length of 12.7 cm (5.0 in).
