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Description
Statia Bank Tree Anole (Anolis bimaculatus)
Scientific Name: Anolis bimaculatus
Common Name: Statia Bank Tree Anole, St. Eustatius Tree Anole
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in total length, with males larger, more robust, and displaying broader heads than females.
Appearance: Statia Bank Tree Anoles are visually striking, typically exhibiting shades of green, olive, or brown with subtle mottling across the body. Many individuals show pale or yellowish highlights along the flanks, and some may display faint spotting patterns. The dewlap varies from yellow to orange depending on individual and locality influence. Males develop more intense coloration and pronounced musculature, particularly around the head and neck.
Distribution: Native to the Statia Bank region of the northeastern Caribbean, including St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and surrounding islets.
Habitat: This species inhabits dry forests, scrubland, and coastal vegetation zones. They favour sun-exposed tree trunks, shrubs, and rocky outcrops, often moving between mid-level perches and lower vegetation while foraging.
Behaviour: Statia Bank Tree Anoles are diurnal, active, and territorial. Males engage in head bobbing, body posturing, and dewlap displays to communicate dominance or courtship. They feed on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. Alert and agile, they rely on speed and visual awareness to evade threats.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an arboreal enclosure at least 18 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (45 × 45 × 60 cm) for a single adult. Include branches, vertical cork bark, leafy plants, and elevated hiding spots. Good ventilation is important for maintaining air quality and preventing stagnant humidity.
Temperature and Humidity:
Basking area: 90–95°F (32–35°C)
Ambient temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
Night temperatures: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
Maintain humidity between 60–80%, with daily misting to provide drinking droplets. Allow a partial drying cycle between sprays.
Lighting: Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with moderate UVB (5–10%). A 12-hour day cycle supports basking, metabolism, and normal behavioural patterns.
Diet: Feed a varied insect diet including crickets, roaches, black soldier fly larvae, fruit flies, and the occasional waxworm or hornworm. Use calcium and multivitamin supplements regularly. Juveniles require daily feeding; adults may eat every 1–2 days.
Behaviour in Captivity: Statia Bank Tree Anoles are active, fast, and thrive in planted environments with ample perching options. They are typically shy and prefer to avoid handling. When environmental conditions are correct, they display natural basking, hunting, and territorial behaviours.
Special Considerations: Because they are agile and easily startled, ensure the enclosure is escape-proof. Live plants help stabilize humidity and offer visual security. A consistent misting routine is important, as they drink from droplets rather than standing water.
Taxonomy Note
The Statia Bank Tree Anole belongs to the family Dactyloidae, a diverse group of arboreal lizards widespread throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Anolis bimaculatus is part of a species complex characterized by regional variation in colour, dewlap hue, and patterning.
Genetics Note
There are no recognized morphs for the Statia Bank Tree Anole. Natural variation occurs across the Statia Bank populations, influencing differences in dewlap colour, dorsal tone, and flank patterning. These variations are locality-based and not selectively bred traits.