Nature Field Guide
Ghost Anole
- Spanish name
- Anolis fantasma
- Scientific name
- Anolis lemurinus
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”
Species overview
About the Ghost Anole
Ghost anoles have a brownish appearance, a long tail and well-developed hind legs. Their pattern can be subtle, and markings vary between individuals. They can remain still on a perch, then become much easier to notice when they move.
Look in humid wooded settings, including edges where filtered sunlight reaches vegetation. The nickname ghost describes how easily the animal can escape attention. It does not replace a careful comparison with the other anoles in the same forest.
Identification
Key Features of the Ghost Anole
Brown-to-gray coloration
Long hind legs and tapering tail
Subtle darker body markings
Habitat & range
Humid Caribbean lowlands and foothills and southwestern Pacific forest.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence varies with suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Visibility varies with weather, habitat and the animal’s activity. Observe on an appropriate guided outing; never disturb a hiding animal to obtain a sighting.
Conservation & care
Observe with an adult from permitted paths. Do not catch, chase, touch or feed reptiles. Leave bark, logs, rocks and leaf litter in place. Keep pets away and allow animals an open escape route.
Threats & pressures
Protect habitat connections and natural shelters. Avoid road mortality, collection and deliberate killing. Leave reptiles in their habitat rather than keeping or relocating them.
Observation activity
Look at the illustration for ten seconds, then describe the lizard’s outline without looking again.
Explore by location
Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Alajuela · Heredia · Limón · Puntarenas