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Size: Males can be up to 68 mm SVL, 205 mm TL females
much smaller, up to 48 mm SVL, Colour & pattern: Males
vary from bright turquoise to green, (particularly in the
breeding season), however they also are able to change
colour to dark brown, beige or pale gray, (hence their
local name “chameleon”.) Patterning of
the male on close inspection shows pale spotting over the
entire animal. Males also have an erectable dorsal crest
and a brilliant blue throat-fan. Female colouring ranges
from pale gray to tan with a significant white line above
the insertion of the foreleg. Females, on close inspection,
will show dorsal chevron markings. Juveniles share common
colouring and markings with females so that males will
allow them within their territories. There can be further
confusion since the females and juveniles of this species
can resemble the females and juveniles of Anolis sagrei. With
closer study, one can detect a difference in head profile
since the conspersus has more prominent eye sockets
and a somewhat concave area from eyes to nose. In addition
there is a pale crescent immediately beneath the eye socket
in the conspersus, lacking in the sagrei.
These lizards are arboreal, but are often found on the
sides of buildings. Tails can be lost and regenerated.
Males tend to escape by retreating upwards, while females,
juveniles and non-dominant males descend to the ground
to hide. |
