Anolis luciae, also known commonly as the St. Lucia anole or the Saint Lucian anole, is a species of anole lizard in the family Dactyloidae. The species is endemic to Saint Lucia, an island-nation in the Caribbean Lesser Antilles.
Etymology The specific name, luciae, refers to the island of Saint Lucia. (Anolis luciae, p. 162)
Geographic range Anolis luciae is widespread on Saint Lucia and its offshore islets.
Description The coloration and markings of Anolis luciae vary. Its dorsal ground colour ranges from brown in drier habitats to bright green in wetter areas. Some populations have blue coloration on the sides, and the ventral surface may be white or yellowish. The area around the eye may be white, blue, or green. Males may be patternless or have reticulations or chevron patterns on the dorsal surface. Females are duller than males, and may have a mid-dorsal stripe or dark chevron markings.
Habitat The preferred natural habitat of Anolis luciae is forest, at altitudes from sea level to , but it is also found in agricultural areas.
Diet Anolis luciae eats fruits and yams.
Reproduction Anolis luciae is oviparous.
Invasive species Anolis luciae co-exists on Saint Lucia with two introduced anole species: A. extremus and A. wattsi. A. luciae appears to be resisting competition, and the two invasive species are restricted to areas around the capital, Castries. (Anolis luciae, p. 93)
See also List of Anolis lizards
References
Further reading (Anolis luciæ, new species, pp. 44–46)
(Anolis luciae, p. 292) (Anolis luciae, pp. 89–90)