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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Anolis polylepis
Many-scaled Anole
Peters, 1874
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small lizard characterized by having very small and numerous dorsal scales, giving it a granular appearance. Its coloration is usually brown or grayish, frequently with a reticulated pattern that helps it camouflage.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
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.Anolis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Peters, 1874
Record Completeness
61%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
Found in humid and premontane forests, inhabiting mainly tree trunks and the forest floor near their bases.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal; active mainly in the understory and low trunks, where light is filtered.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, with a social structure based on small, well-defined territories.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Active forager; constantly roams the surface of trunks looking for food.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Insectivore specialized in small arthropods that inhabit the bark.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; deposits small-sized eggs in crevices or among leaf litter.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
3.0 - 5.0 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.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 45
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have a dewlap notably more developed and brighter than that of females.
Females Multi-lang
Females have more linear dorsal patterns and less color contrast.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Fine scaling: The multitude of small scales allows for greater skin flexibility and a texture that mimics tree bark.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to loss of forest cover and alteration of the microclimate in the lower forest levels.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite its tiny size, males defend territories with great tenacity, using their dewlap to warn off intruders.