AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Norops humilis
Ground Anole
(Peters, 1863)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small-sized anole with a robust build and limbs adapted to life on the forest floor. Its coloration is mostly brown, with complex patterns that allow it to blend in with leaf litter. Males possess a vibrant red or orange dewlap with a whitish border, which they use to mark territory and attract females.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Dactyloidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Norops
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Peters, 1863)
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Strictly terrestrial species, inhabiting the lowest layers of humid and very humid forests. It is found mainly in leaf litter, where it finds shelter and food, preferring areas with high ambient humidity and shade.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and strictly terrestrial reptile. Unlike other anoles, it rarely climbs trees, preferring to patrol leaf litter. It is a very active animal during the day, moving with quick short jumps. It is territorial and males use their dewlap for constant visual interactions with other individuals.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary species outside of the breeding season. Males maintain small territories that they actively defend. Social interactions are limited almost exclusively to territorial displays and courtship.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Opportunistic insectivore. It feeds on a wide variety of small prey it finds on the ground, mainly ants, small beetles, and mites. It practices stalking: it waits patiently before pouncing rapidly on the prey.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Plays a fundamental role in the understory food chain by controlling populations of ants, beetles, and small spiders. It is a common prey for ground birds, leaf litter snakes, and small carnivorous mammals, being a critical link for energy transfer to higher levels.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous species. The female deposits a single egg in leaf litter or soil cracks. The incubation period is relatively long. The hatchlings emerge being self-sufficient and begin hunting small prey immediately.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.0 - 7.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 1
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
0.5 - 0.8 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
45 - 65
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 3 Years
Females2 - 3 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Moderate. Males present a slightly more robust body and, fundamentally, a much larger and brighter red dewlap than females.
Females Multi-lang
Females have a duller coloration and lack a developed dewlap, their neck being much less conspicuous.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Leaf Litter Mimicry: Its dorsal coloration perfectly mimics the texture and color of decomposing leaves, allowing it to remain invisible even in open areas of the forest floor.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Canopy destruction: The loss of tall trees alters the soil microclimate, increasing temperature and reducing the humidity necessary for its survival.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is an excellent bioindicator of the integrity of forest soils. Its dependence on a thick layer of leaf litter and constant humidity conditions makes it extremely sensitive to habitat degradation.