Habits and Food of Anolis equestris in Florida

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Abstract
A study was conducted to establish how the diet and habits of A. equestris may have aided in the success of its colonization of S Florida [USA]. Field observations were made in the Coral Gables, Dade County, area during 1970-1974. During the summer of 1973, 10 adult specimens of A. equestris were collected by hand for stomach content analysis. Identification of stomach contents was made by eye and the drained weight of the contents was recorded. Analysis of the stomach contents showed a variety of prey items and a very large proportion of fruit. The stomachs of 3 specimens collected on the trunks of Bo trees (Ficus religiosa) contained little more than unmasticated Ficus berries. Field observations over several years showed that A. equestris will also eat large membracid bugs, cicadas, smaller anoles, nestling birds and fruits as available from a wide variety of plants. Conspicuous perching may serve a social function, since anoles often return to the same perch site over several days, as if defending a territory. A. equestris is probably insufficiently abundant or widespread to become a serious predator on nestling birds or native anoles, and it has not been observed eating any fruits cultivated for human consumption in south Florida.

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