Skip to main content

Tico Explorers

Nature Field Guide

Giant Green Anole

Spanish name
Anolis verde gigante
Scientific name
Anolis biporcatus

What Do Pico & Tati Think?

Pico and Tati invite you to learn about the giant green anole. Draw the shapes of a branch and the anole’s toes. How might those shapes help with climbing?

Species overview

About the Giant Green Anole

A green anole that spends much of its time in vegetation. Its long tail and gripping toes help it move among branches, and green color alone does not identify the species.

Identification

Key Features of the Giant Green Anole

  • Green body, sometimes with a darker appearance.

  • Long tail and climbing toes.

  • An extendable throat fan, especially noticeable during displays.

Habitat & range

Humid forests and wooded vegetation in Costa Rica.

Local observations

Recorded in Costa Rica. This profile describes suitable habitat, not a confirmed Tamarindo sighting or a guaranteed viewing location.

When to observe

Daytime; watch foliage from a trail without pulling branches down.

Conservation & care

Watch wildlife with an adult from a safe path. Do not touch, feed, capture or move reptiles, and keep pets away. Leave eggs, shelters and vegetation undisturbed.

Observation activity

Draw the shapes of a branch and the anole’s toes. How might those shapes help with climbing?

Explore by location

Caribbean · Central Pacific · Northern Plains · South Pacific · Puntarenas

Related discoveries

Sources & further reading

My Tico Explorer Experience

Save nature, towns, discoveries and learning adventures for your next experience.

Your list stays in this browser on this device.