Nature Field Guide
Lichen Anole
- Spanish name
- Anolis liquenoso
- Scientific name
- Anolis pentaprion
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What can we learn from this reptile’s shape?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its markings and habitat while leaving it plenty of space.”
Species overview
About the Lichen Anole
The lichen anole has a mottled gray-and-cream appearance that can make its outline difficult to follow. Its limbs are short and its tail is relatively short for an anole, with a low serrated ridge.
This species belongs to a group of closely similar anoles whose names have been revised through research. In Costa Rica, use Caribbean-slope locality information when comparing it with the Pacific Charles Myers’s anole. Let camouflage remain useful: never touch a lizard to make it stand out against its background.
Identification
Key Features of the Lichen Anole
Gray-and-cream bark camouflage
Short limbs
Relatively short tail with a serrated ridge
Habitat & range
Caribbean lowlands and northern humid lowlands, including the Los Chiles/Guatuso and Sarapiquí areas.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence depends on suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Observe on permitted paths with an adult or qualified guide. Activity varies by species, place and weather; never disturb a hiding or resting animal.
Conservation & care
Observe from permitted paths with an adult. Do not touch, chase, catch or feed reptiles. Leave bark, stones, logs and leaf litter in place. Keep pets away and give animals an open escape route.
Threats & pressures
Protect natural shelters and connected habitat. Avoid collection, unnecessary clearing and deliberate killing. Leave wildlife in its habitat and support responsible observation.
Observation activity
Trace the lizard’s outline on the illustration. Which markings make the outline harder to see?
Explore by location
Caribbean · Northern Plains · Alajuela · Cartago · Heredia · Limón