Comments on Ontogenetic Color Change in Anolis cuvieri (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Iguanidae)

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Abstract
A. cuvieri is generally characterized as a crown anole, i.e., basically solid green, with the ability to turn brown. Field experiments with 6 juvenile A. cuvieri indicated that they are found close to or on the ground in shaded forest situations. Juvenile A. cuvieri are very difficult to locate. With increasing maturity, the ecological niche shifts towards arboreality, and the mottled pattern presumably best fitted to a ground dwelling anole, disappears. To accept Rand and Andrews (1975) hypothesis that the juvenile patterning per se inhibits cannibalism needs controlled experimentation. The change from juvenile to adult coloration in A. cuvieri is very striking, relatively unusual among lizards, and perhaps unknown among other Anolis.

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