Lagartixa - Brown Anole - Anolis sagrei - Lizard
Like 0 Dislike 0 Published on 8 Sep 2015
Esta lagartixa é muito comum nos jardins de Houston, Texas. É nativa de Cuba e Bahamas. Foi levada aos Estados Unidos como PET no início dos anos 70, acabou sendo solta na natureza e se multiplicou aos milhares, tornando-se uma espécie invasora, prejudicando as espécies nativas. Foi levada também Taiwan onde causou o mesmo problema.
The brown anole (Anolis sagrei), also known as the Bahaman anole or De la Sagra's Anole,[1] is a lizard native to Cuba and the Bahamas. It has been widely introduced elsewhere, by being sold as a pet lizard, and is now found in Florida and as far north in the United States as southern Georgia, Texas, Hawaii, Southern California.[2] It has also been introduced to other Caribbean islands and Taiwan in Asia.
This species is highly invasive.[3] In its introduced range, it reaches exceptionally high population densities, is capable of expanding its range very quickly, and both outcompetes and consumes many species of native lizards.[4][5][6] The brown anole's introduction into the United States in the early 1970s[7] has altered the behavior and triggered a negative effect on populations of the native Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis, also known as the green anole), which have generally been relegated to the treetops.
Size:
Anolis sagrei can grow to 12.5-20 cm (5-8 in) in length (including tail), with males typically growing larger than females.
Behavior:
This diurnal lizard has a small territory, but will aggressively defend it. If an intruder approaches, the male will compress its body, extend the dewlap, and bob its head. Anolis sagrei is a terrestrial species, but is adept at climbing, enabling this species to feed on insects and spiders in a variety of habitats. It can hop to avoid being captured. This lizard species also sheds its skin several times a year.
Reproduction:
Breeding occurs for several months beginning in late spring. A single, small, softshell egg is laid about every two weeks until September. Incubation is
Habitat:
Anolis sagrei is mostly seen in trees, shrubs, vines, and on fences in moist environments.
Texas Distribution:
In Texas, Anolis sagrei is found in both the Houston and San Antonio areas, and may continue to be found in new regions around the southern portion of the state.