Costa Rica Species
Anolis woodi
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

Anolis woodi

Wood's Anole

Dunn, 1940

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large and robust anole, often characterized by a striking pattern and a very large, colorful dewlap in males.

Added by

Anonymous Curator

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Under Review

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).Arthropoda
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.Dunn, 1940
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

Found primarily in humid montane forests and cloud forests, often dwelling on tree trunks.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Diurnal, often ambush predators on tree trunks, monitoring their territory from elevated perches.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Highly territorial; males use prominent dewlap displays for intra-species communication.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Insectivore.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Insectivore: consumes larger insects and occasionally smaller lizards.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Oviparous; females deposit eggs in protected, damp sites.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

8.0 - 12.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

5 g - 15 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 - 3 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

45 - 60

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males4 - 7 Years
Females4 - 7 Years

Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.

Males Multi-lang

Males are larger and possess a very large, distinctively colored dewlap.

Females Multi-lang

Females are significantly smaller with a less prominent dewlap.

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Large body size aids in thermal inertia; well-developed subdigital pads allow for movement on large-diameter trunks.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and climate-driven changes in cloud forest dynamics.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

This species is notable for its impressive size compared to other sympatric anoles in the same habitat.