Wildlife: A Ghost Lizard Is Seen Dwelling In The Jungles Of Guatemala Stock Image

A Ghost Lizard Anolis fantasma is seen in the Jungles of Peten, Guatemala. Dactyloidae are a fami of lizards common known as anoles and native to warmer parts of the Americas, ranging from southeastern United States to Paraguay. Anoles are small to fair large lizards, typical green or brownish, but their color varies depending on species and many can also change it. In most species at least the male has a dewlap, an often bright colored flap of skin that extends from the throat/neck and is used in displays. Anoles share several characteristics with geckos, including details of the foot structure for climbing and the ability to voluntari break off the tail to escape predators, but they are on very distant related, anoles being part of Iguania. Anoles are active during the day and feed most on small animals such as insects, but some will also take fruits, flowers, and nectar. They are fierce territorial. After mating, the female lays an egg occasional two; in many species she may do so every few days or weeks. The egg is typical placed on the ground, but in some species it is placed at higher levels. Anoles are wide studied in fields such as ecology, behavior, and evolution, and some species are common kept in captivity as pets. Anoles can function as a biological pest control by eating insects that may harm humans or plants, but represent a serious risk to small native animals and ecosystems if introduced to regions outside their home range.