Anolis apletophallus

Anolis apletophallus is a species of anoles, iguanian lizards in the family Dactyloidae native to Panama. The species was split from Anolis limifrons in Köhler and Sunyer (2008).[2] It has been reported in Panama, Honduras and Colombia.[3] A decline in its population in Panama over a 40-year timespan has been attributed to changes in local climate, with years following El Niño negatively affecting the species.[4]

Anolis apletophallus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Iguania
Family: Dactyloidae
Genus: Anolis
Species:
A. apletophallus
Binomial name
Anolis apletophallus
Köhler and Sunyer, 2008

History and taxonomy

Only fairly recently recognized as its own species, the specific epithet of this species translates to "immense penis", due to its large bi-lobed hemipenis as an identifying feature described by Köhler and Sunyer (2008).[2]

Description

A. apletophallus is a relatively small mainland anole getting to about 40-45 mm (snout-to-vent), but have a large dewlap relative to their body size. The species displays dewlap polymorphism, where some populations' dewlaps are orange, while others are white with a basal orange dot, and others still display both dewlap morphs. No genetic differences were found between individuals with different dewlap morphs.[5] They are rather short-lived with a 9 month generation time making them an annual species, with the adults reaching maturity in about 4-6 months.

Distribution and habitat

A. apletophallus is a mainland species native to Panama and may also be found in Colombia.[6][3]

References
  1. Ibáñez, R., Jaramillo, C., Köhler, G., Castañeda, M.R. & Velasco, J. (2020). "Anolis apletophallus ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T203076A2759909. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/203076/2759909. Downloaded on 29 March 2021.
  2. Köhler, Gunther; Sunyer, Javier (March 2008). "Two New Species of Anoles Formerly Referred to as Anolis Limifrons (Squamata: Polychrotidae)". Herpetologica. 64 (1): 92–108. doi:10.1655/07-027.1. ISSN 0018-0831. S2CID 86734273.
  3. "Anolis apletophallus Köhler & Sunyer, 2008". www.gbif.org (in Spanish). Retrieved 2020-02-16.
  4. Stapley, Jessica; Garcia, Milton; Andrews, Robin M. (2015-02-11). Navas, Carlos A (ed.). "Long-Term Data Reveal a Population Decline of the Tropical Lizard Anolis apletophallus, and a Negative Affect [sic] of El Nino Years on Population Growth Rate". PLOS ONE. 10 (2): e0115450. Bibcode:2015PLoSO..1015450S. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0115450. ISSN 1932-6203. PMC 4325001. PMID 25671423.
  5. Stapley, Jessica; Wordley, Claire; Slate, Jon (2011-01-01). "No Evidence of Genetic Differentiation Between Anoles With Different Dewlap Color Patterns". The Journal of Heredity. 102 (1): 118–24. doi:10.1093/jhered/esq104. PMID 20861275.
  6. "Anolis apletophallus Köhler & Sunyer 2008 - Encyclopedia of Life". eol.org. Retrieved 2020-05-22.
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