Appearance
"Anolis proboscis" has very short limbs and a small body. Four main movement behaviors have been observed: crawling, walking, running, and jumping."Anolis proboscis" has a total body length of roughly 5–7.5 cm. Males, which are slightly larger than females, possess a conspicuous proboscis, an elongated structure arising from the middle of the snout and about 1–2 cm in length; it appears to be used in courtship displays, as is the dewlap that is present in both sexes. There are multiple colour morphs, with the proboscis ranging from greenish yellow to orange-brown, and variety of patterning over the body, including spots and stripes. "Anolis proboscis" bears many resemblances to the Greater Antillean twig anoles, both morphologically, with comparable sexual dimorphism, a slender body, short legs and tail, and in a behavioral sense, residing almost exclusively on narrow surfaces. As such, the species can be classified as a member of the twig ecomorph among Anoles. The species possesses a semi-prehensile tail, which aids them as they climb and forage in the canopy. Although slow moving, they have been known to cover great distances. The species differs from similar species in the region in its comparatively small, whitish dewlap, and a row of enlarged scales that run along the dorsum.
Naming
It has been classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to its restricted distribution and ongoing habitat loss.Distribution
Based on the few localities known, the species inhabits montane forest habitats in the Chocó, where it keeps to high trees. Specimens have predominantly been found in primary and secondary vegetation along a well-traveled dirt road. Only five localities in total are currently known, with a maximum distance of 13 km between the two farthest ones. While the area of occurrence includes pasture land and secondary forest, it is likely that the species also lives in other mid-altitude areas in the Ecuadorian Andes. Despite most sightings of them occurring in areas with severe habitat fragmentation and destruction, it can be concluded that they prefer the deep forest where they are far more difficult to spot. The species has been known to occupy all levels of the rainforest, ranging from the groundfloor to the canopy. However, they seem to spend most of their time high off the ground, inhabiting dense vegetation, making them particularly difficult to observe. At night, the lizards roost on small twigs and leaves between 2.1 and 10 meters off of the ground, which allow them to detect the vibrations of potential predators. Observations in the Mindo area of Ecuador located the species in apple trees and bamboo plants, as well as in disturbed forest habitats.Status
The species is currently classified as Endangered due to its possibly restricted distribution in combination with ongoing threats in the form of habitat loss from logging, human settlement, agriculture, and grazing. Further, because of the species' rarity and unique appearance, it is at risk of poaching for the international pet trade.The species was feared to be extinct when it was not seen after the original collection in 1953. It was rediscovered in 2004 when an individual was seen and photographed in a cloud forest near Mindo, Ecuador, by a visiting ornithologist. In August 2009, a herpetology expedition from the University of New Mexico located the species in a remote region of Ecuador. In total, they found five individuals including three males and the first two females ever seen and collected. Since 2009, several other expeditions were able to relocate the species in remote regions of Ecuador. However, "Anolis proboscis rarity could be the result of several different factors, including a very niche environment, and naturally low populations.
Reproduction
"Anolis Proboscis" reproduces oviparously. In captivity, females lay a single egg, which is incubated for roughly 165 days. Interestingly, males are born with a proboscis already formed, which lengthens as they develop.Food
The species is omnivorous and has a diverse diet. The stomach can hold anywhere between 4-16 prey items. A large array of different insects is preyed on, with the primary sources of food including caterpillars, coleopterans, hemipterans, dipterans, and hymenoptera. However, this species also eats pseudoscorpions, larvae, millipedes, spiders, and assorted plant material including flower petals, pieces of wood, and seeds.References:
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