Common Monkey Lizard!

The Common Monkey Lizard (Polychrus marmoratus) is also a common bush anole in Kabalebo and one of my favorite reptiles.

The Common Monkey Lizard uses its camouflage 'uniform' to survive in the wild. It is also known as the Many Colored Bush Anole because it can change colors in a split second. 

Because of their ability to change colors and their slow movement they are often seen as chameleons. I have spotted these beauties many times at the airstrip edge. Usually during the mornings or late afternoons. At first sight you won't notice them. When resting they have a brown skin color, so it would look like a stick/branch. As seen in the picture above.

But the moment it notices you, it also starts to change color (green/yellow). It is a harmless bush anole for it had, for so far, never attacked me or anyone else who spotted them. They usually jump immediately into the dense bushes for their safety.

I have seen them 'hunting' for insects or grasshoppers, but most of the time they spend their day/time dangling on a branch … resting, using their tail as a support and stability to prevent them from falling off.

For years I have taken so many pictures of this amazing bush anole and still it amazes me. Its ability to change colors and of course … its appearance. It rather looks like a beautiful little prehistoric creature.