The brown anole, Anolis sagrei, is a successful invasive species that thrives in urban areas. The goal of this study was to explore the impact of potentially novel selective pressures on invasive A. sagrei by comparing differences in morphological traits between individuals in their native and invasive ranges. I measured head and limb morphometrics and counted lamella of 144 A. sagrei specimens collected from their native and invasive range over a wide time frame. Within each population, no change in morphology was observed over the time period examined in both their native and invasive range. However, there were differences in the morphology of A. sagrei from the invasive range compared to their native range; including more lamella, wider pelvis, and shorter hindlimbs-traits that are associated with urban tolerance in anoles. These results support the hypothesis that evolutionary adaptation to urbanization may be instrumental in the success and spread of invasive species.

For more information:  krebey@eckered.edu