Amphibians and Reptiles 
of the Caribbean


Noting those found during 
Focus On Nature Tours with an (*)

including: 
Salamanders
Toads & Frogs (seen or heard), 
Turtles
Lizards
Snakes

A list compiled by Armas Hill


UPPER RIGHT PHOTO: LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLE



Links to Groupings in this List:

AMPHIBIANS:   Toads    True Frogs    Tree Frogs & Coquis

REPTILES:    Sea Turtles    Freshwater Turtles    Crocodiles    Geckos    Iguanas

Anoles    Whip-tail Lizards    Anguidae Lizards (inc Galliwasps)    Snakes


Other Links:

Birds during FONT Caribbean Tours (with photos) 

Lists of Birds for:

1. Giant Toad  (SP: Sapo Comun)  ______  AB:Antigua  CY:Grand Cayman  DR(*)  PR(*)  (also called Marine Toad or Cane Toad)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
   Rhinella (formerly Bufo) marinus 
   
   Bufo marinus was introduced in the Caribbean from South America.
   
   
2. Hispaniolan Crested Toad  (t1) (He/DRe)  ______  DR
   Peltophryne (formerly Bufo) fluviaticus
   
   
3. Eastern Crested Toad  (t2) (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1972)
   Peltophryne (formerly Bufo) fracta
   
   
4. Southern Crested Toad  (t3) (He)  ______  DR
   Peltophryne (formerly Bufo) guentheri 
   
   
   Family MICROHYLIDAE
   
   
5. Eastern Narrowmouth Toad  ______  CY 
   Gastrophryne carolinensis
   
   Gastrophryne carolinensis was introduced and is well established in the Cayman Islands. It is native to the southeast US.
    
   
   Family RANIDAE  (True Frogs)
   
   
6. Bull Frog  (ph)  ______  DR(*)  PR  
   Rana catesbeiana
   
   
7. Puerto Rican Ditch Frog  ______  DR  PR
   Leptodactylus albilabris
   
   
   Family HYLIDAE  (Tree Frogs)
   
   
8. Hispaniolan Green Treefrog  (t3) (He)  ______  DR
   Hypsiboas (formerly Hyla) heilprini
   
   
9. Hispaniolan Laughing Treefrog  (He)  ______  DR  
   Osteopilus dominicensis 
   
   
10. Hispaniolan Giant Treefrog  (t2) (He)  ______  DR
    Osteopilus vastus
    
    
11. Hispaniolan Yellow Treefrog  (t2) (He) (ph)  ______  DR(*)
    Osteopilus pulchrilineatus
    
    
    
    A Hispaniolan Yellow Treefrog photographed during a FONT tour
    in the Dominican Republic in February 2012
    (photo by Marie Gardner)
    
    
12. Jamaican Laughing Treefrog ______  JM  (also called Savanna-la-Mar Treefrog)
    Osteopilus brunmeus
    
    
13. Yellow Bromeliad Frog  ______  JM  (another name is Spalding's Treefrog) 
    Osteopilus marianae
    
    The Yellow Bromeliad Frog is endemic to Jamaica.
    
    
14. Green Bromeliad Frog  ______  JM  (another name is Wilder's Treefrog)
    Osteopilus wilderi
    
    The Green Bromeliad Frog is endemic to Jamaica.
    
    
15. Cuban Treefrog  (*)  ______  AB:Antigua  CU  CY(*)   (range is the Bahamas, Cuba, & the Caymans: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, & Cayman Brac) (introduced on Antigua)
    Osteopilus septentrionalis
    
    
    Family LEPTODACTYLIDAE  (Leptodactylid Frogs)  
    
    Worldwide, this has been an extremely large family with over 800 rather diverse species, in more than 50 genera. 
    
    Traditionally, the genus ELEUTHERODACTYLUS has contained more species than any genus in the vertebrates, over 500.
    
    
16. Mottled Coqui  ______  PR:rare, possibly extinct
    Eleutherodactylus eneidae
    
    
17. Cricket Coqui  ______  PR:common  
    Eleutherodactylus gryllus
    
    
18. Tree-hole Coqui  ______  PR:common  
    Eleutherodactylus hedricki
    
    
19. Web-footed Coqui  ______  PR:rare, possibly extinct 
    Eleutherodactylus karischmidti
    
    
20. Warty Coqui  ______  PR:rare
    Eleutherodactylus locustus
    
    
21. Caoba Coqui  (SP: Coqui Caoba)  ______  PR:rare
    Eleutherodactylus richmondi
    
    
22. Burrow Coqui  (SP: Coqui Duende)  ______  PR:common
    Eleutherodactylus unicolor
    
    
23. Antillean Coqui  (SP: El Churi)  ______  PR(*):common 
    Eleutherodactylus antillensis
    
    
24. Grass Coqui  (SP: Coqui de las Yerbas)  ______  PR(*):common
    Eleutherodactylus brittoni
    
    
25. Whistling Coqui  (SP: Coqui Pitio)  ______  PR:rare
    Eleutherodactylus cochranae
    
    
26. Tuck-wheep Frog  (He)  ______  DR
    Eleutherodactylus abbotti
    
    
27. Eleutherodactylus aduanti  (t2) ______  DR
    
    
28. Barahona Rock Frog  (t2) (He)  ______  (species described in 1971)
    (species described in 1971)
    Eleutherodactylus alocoae
    
    
29. Mozart Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  HA  (prior to October 2010, last seen in 1991)
    Eleutherodactylus amadeus 
    
    
30. Eleutherodactylus apostates  (He)  ______  DR
    
    
31. Baoruco Hammer Frog  (t2) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1933)
    Eleutherodactylus armstrongi
    
    
32. South Island Telegraph Frog  (t3) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1934)
    Eleutherodactylus audanti
    
    
33. Northern Hammer Frog  (t2) (He/DRe)  ______  DR
    Eleutherodactylus auriculatoides 
    
    
34. Eleutherodactylus bakeri  ______  DR
    
    
35. Eleutherodactylus brevirostris  (t2)  ______  DR
    
    
36. Hispaniolan Crowned Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  HA  (rediscovered, January 2011)
    Eleutherodactylus corona
    
    
37. Hispaniolan Ventriloquial Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  HA  (rediscovered, January 2011)
    Eleutherodactylus dolomedes
    
    
38. Eleutherodactylus eunaster  ______  DR
    
    
39. Yellow Split-toed Frog  (nt) (He)  ______  DR
    Eleutherodactylus falvescens
    
    
40. Khaki Bromeliad Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1973)
    Eleutherodactylus fowleri
    
    
41. La Selle Red-legged Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1963)
    Eleutherodactylus furcyensis 
    
    
42. La Hotte Glanded Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  HA  (rediscovered, January 2011)
    Eleutherodactylus glandulifer
    
    Eleutherodactylus glandulifer has striking sapphire-colored eyes.
    
    
43. La Selle Grass Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  HA  (species last seen in 1985) 
    Eleutherodactylus glanduliferoides
    
    
44. Eleutherodactylus glaphycampus  ______  DR
    
    
45. Montane Cricket Frog  (t2) (He/DRe)  ______  DR
    Eleutherodactylus haitianus
    
    
46. Half-stripe Bromeliad Frog  (t2) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1963)
    Eleutherodactylus heminota
    
    
47. Baoruco Burrowing Frog  (t2) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1965)
    Eleutherodactylus hypostenor
    
    
48. Hispaniolan Giant Frog  (He)  ______  DR
    Eleutherodactylus inoptatus
    
    
49. La Selle Dusky Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  DR
    Eleutherodactylus jugans
    
    
50. Eleutherodactylus lamprotes  _____  DR
    
    
51. Southern Pastel Frog  (t1) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1963)
    Eleutherodactylus leoncei
    
    
52. Cordillera Central Telegraph Frog  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1966)
    Eleutherodactylus melatrigonum 
    
    
53. Eleutherodactylus nortoni  _____  DR 
    
    
54. Macaya Burrowing Frog  (t1)  _____  HA  (prior to January 2011, last seen in 1996)
    Eleutherodactylus parapelates
    
    
55. Macaya Breast-spot Frog  (t1)  _____  HA  (rediscovered, January 2011)
    Eleutherodactylus thoreltes
    
    Eleutherodactylus thoreltes is one of the smallest frogs in the world.
    
    
56. Eleutherodactylus ventrilineatus  ______  DR
    
    
57. Greenhouse Frog  ______  CY(*)  (range is the Bahamas, Cuba, & the Caymans: Grand Cayman & Cayman Brac)
    Eleutherodactylus planirostris
    
    
58. Eleutherodactylus iberia  ______  CU
    
    Eleutherodactylus iberia is reputedly the Northern Hemisphere's smallest frog, at 1cm in length.
    
    
59. Eleutherodactylus symingtoni  ______  CU
    
    Eleutherodactylus symingtoni lives in caves and rocky shelters in just a very few locations in montane forests in western Cuba. The population may be no more than just 250 individuals.
    
    
60. Lesser Antillean Whistling Frog  (Coqui Antillano)  (another name is the Johnstone's Whistling Frog)   
    Eleutherodactylus johnstonei  ______  AB(*):on both Antigua & Barbuda  DM
    
    Eleutherodactylus johnstonei is widespread throughout the Lesser Antilles. It has recently been introduced on Dominica.
    
    
61. Gounouj  (t2)  ______  DM  (endemic to DM)  (species described in 1994)
    Eleutherodactylus amplinympha  
    
    Eleutherodactylus amplinympha is most common in the transition zone between the montane rainforeet and elfin woodland, but the range also extends over a broader range of altitudes, co-existing with Eleutherodactylus martinicensis.    
    
    
62. Martinique Robber Frog  (or "Tink Frog") (nt)  ______  DM
    Eleutherodactylus martinicensis
    
    Eleutherodactylus martinicensis is a regional endemic in the Lesser Antilles. On Dominica, it is abundant in teh rainforest, and uncommon in dry coastal forest.
    Local populations are being displaced on Dominica by Eleutherodactylus johnstonei along part of the west (or Caribbean) coast.       
    
    It is likely that more species in the genus Eleutherodactylus, and other frogs, are still to be found, but no sooner are they discovered than they are placed on a "critically endangered list".
    
    
63. Giant Ditch Frog (or "Mountain Chicken") (t1)  ______  DM  MT  
    Leptodactylus fallax
    
    Leptodactylus fallax is a critically endangered species. It now occurs on the islands of Montserrat and Dominica, where it is usually found in moist forests. 
    Populations are infected with chytridiomycosis, and thus the sever decline. 
      
    Leptodactylus fallax is one of the largest frogs in the world, 8 inches in length. It can cover up to 8 feet in a single leap. The tadpoles are up to 6 inches long (5 inches of it tail).
    
    The "Mountain Chicken" is edible. It was widely eaten in Dominica as a "novelty food" prior to its legal protection in 2002.      
    
    On Dominica, the natural range of the Great Ditch Frog is on the western (or Caribbean) side of the island from sea level to 400 meters in elevation.
       
    
    
    REPTILES:
    
    
    Family CHELONIIDAE  (Hard-shelled Sea Turtles, 6 species worldwide) 
    
    
64. "Atlantic" Green (Sea) Turtle (t2) (ph)  ______  AB  CY  DM(p)(*)  (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
    Chelonia mydas mydas
    
    (In Antigua & Barbuda: nests on both islands, and some offshore islets)
    (In the Cayman Islands: adults nest & juveniles forage; all 3 islands)
    (In Dominica: regularly seen in coastal waters; it nests on both coasts, but mainly on northern beaches, and primarily from June to October)  
    
     
    
    An "Atlantic" Green (Sea) Turtle seen off Dominica during a FONT Lesser Antilles Tour in  March 2000
    
    
65. Loggerhead (Sea) Turtle (t2) (ph)   ______  AB  CY   DM   (species described by Linnaeus in 1758) 
    Caretta caretta
    
    (In Antigua & Barbuda: only in offshore waters; does not nest) 
    (In the Cayman Islands: nests on all 3 islands)
    (in Dominica: rare in offshore waters, mainly found around Soufriere Bay and in the Martinique and Guadeloupe Channels; it has not been recorded as nesting on Dominica)    
    
    
    
    Loggerhead Sea Turtle
    (photo by Alan Brady)
    
    
66. Hawksbill (Sea) Turtle (t1) (*)  ______  AB  CY  DM  PR   (species described by Linnaeus in 1766)
    Eretmochelys imbricata 
    
    (In Antigua & Barbuda: nests on both islands and on some offshore islets)
    (In the Caymans has been extirpated as a nester; juveniles forage on all 3 islands)
    (in Dominica: regularly seen in coastal waters; nests on both coasts, but on northern beaches, and primarily from May to October) 
    
    
67. Kemp's Ridley (Sea) Turtle (t1) ______   
    Lepidochelys kempii
    
    The Kemp's Ridley is the world's rarest sea turtle. it breeds in the Gulf of Mexico, then it drifts north & east into the colder north Atlantic Ocean (to about 15 degrees C.), as far as northwest Europe.
    
    
68. Olive Ridley (Sea) Turtle (t2) ______ 
    Lepidochelys olivacea
    
    
    Family DERMOCHELYIDAE   (a single species)
    
     
69. Leatherback (Sea) Turtle (t1) (ph)  ______  AB  DM
    Dermochelys coriacea  
    
    (In Antigua & Barbuda: nests on both islands)
    (in Dominica: fairly rare, recorded from Martinique and Guadeloupe Channels; nesting occurs from April to June, primarily on the south and east (Atlantic) coast beaches) 
    
    
    Family EMYDIDAE  (Freshwater Turtles)
    
    
70. Antillean Slider  (nt)  ______  DR(*)  (in mostly the northern & eastern Dominican Republic) 
    Trachemys stejnegeri
    
    
    
    Antillean Sliders photographed during the FONT tour
    in the Dominican Republic in April 2012
    (photo by Marie Gardner)
    
    
71. Haitian Slider  (t3)  ______  
    Trachemys decorata
    
    
72. Taco River Slider (or Hickatee)  ______  CY(*)  (range in Cuba & the Caymans: Grand Cayman & Cayman Brac)
    Trachemys decussata
    Trachemys decussata angusta  (subspecies in the Caymans)
    
    
73. Red-eared Slider  (ph)  ______  CY(*):Grand Cayman  
    Trachemys scripta  
    
    The Red-eared Slider (a subspecies of the Pond Slider) was introduced in the Caribbean from the southeast US. 
    
    
    
    Red-eared Slider
    (photo by Howard Eskin)
    
    
    Family TESTUDINIDAE
    
    
74. Red-footed Tortoise (iWI)   ______   AB:Barbuda(*)  DM  (native to South America, where it is widespread, in: Colombia, Venezuela, the Guianas, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, & Argentina, also in part of Panama & in Trinidad; introduced on many islands in the Caribbean) (another name is the Savanna Tortoise)
    Geochelone carbonaria   
    
    
    Family CROCODYLIDAE  (Crocodile Family, 14 species worldwide) 
    
    
75. American Crocodile (t3) ______  DR(*)  (range in the West Indies is Hispaniola, Jamaica, Cuba, & the Caymans as a rare visitor: Little Cayman & Cayman Brac; at one time the crocodile was common in the Caymans, hence the name of the islands)   
    Crocodylus acutus  
    
    
76. Cuban Crocodile  (t1)  ______  CU  
    Crocodylus rhombifer
    
    The Cuban Crocodile is a small species, averaging 2.4 meters in length. It is highly endangered, found only in Cuba's Zapata Swamp.
    
    The Cuban Crocodile hybridizes with the American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus.  
    
    
    Family AMPHISBAENIDAE
    
    
77. Barahona Amphisbaena  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1965)
    Amphisbaena hyporissor
    
    
78. Tiburon Amphisbaena  (He)  ______  DR
    Amphisbaena innocens
    
    
79. Hispaniolan Dwarf Amphisbaena  (He)  ______  DR
    Amphisbaena manni
    
    
    Family SCINCIDAE 
    
    
80. Hispaniolan Pin-striped Skink  (He)  ______  DR
    Mabuya lineolata
    
    
    Family GYMNOPHTHALMIDAE
    
    
81. Smooth-scaled Worm Lizard  ______  DR  GD  (also called Underwood's Spectacled Tegu)  (species described in 1958)
    Gymnophthalmus underwoodi 
    
    
    Family GEKKONIDAE  (Geckos)
    
    
82. Desert Gecko  ______  DR
    Aristelliger expectatus
    
    
83. Wood Slave (name in the Caymans), Croaking Lizard (name in Jamaica)  ______  CY  (range is Jamaica & the Caymans: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman Brac)
    Aristelliger praesignis
    Aristelliger praesignis praesignis  (subspecies in the Caymans) 
    
    
84. Hispaniolan Desert Gecko  (He)  ______  DR
    Aristelliger expectatus
    
    
85. Hispaniolan Giant Gecko  (He)  ______  DR
    Aristelliger lar
    
    
86. Hispaniolan Desert Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR
    Sphaerocactylus altavelensis
    
    
87. Jaragua Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 2001)
    Sphaerodactylus ariasae
    
    The Jaragua Dwarf Gecko is said to be the world's smallest lizard.
    
    
88. Southern Forest Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR
    Sphaerodactylus armstrongi
    
    
89. Rough-banded Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1976)
    Sphaerodactylus callocricus
    
    
90. Orange-spotted Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1968)
    Sphaerodactylus clenchi
    
    
91. Haitises Striped Dwarf Cuckoo  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1946)
    Sphaerodactylus cochranae
    
    
92. Desert Pygmy Dwarf Cuckoo  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1977)
    Sphaerodactylus cryphius
    
    
93. Northern Forest Dwarf Cuckoo  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1968)
    Sphaerodactylus darlingtoni
    
    
94. Hispaniolan Eyespot Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR
    Sphaerodactylus difficilis
    
    
95. Ashy Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR
    Sphaerodactylus elegans
    
    
96. Hispaniolan Tailspot Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1993)
    Sphaerodactylus epiurus
    
    
97. Spotted Agave Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1988)
    Sphaerodactylus ladae
    
    
98. Broken-stripe Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1973)
    Sphaerodactylus leucaster
    
    
99. Ocoa Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1977)
    Sphaerodactylus ocoae
    
    
100. Martin Garcia Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1988)
     Sphaerodactylus perissodactylius
     
     
101. Barahona Big-scaled Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1992)
     Sphaerodactylus plummeri
     
     
102. Barahona Speckled Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1968)
     Sphaerodactylus randi
     
     
103. Two-striped Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1970)
     Sphaerodactylus rhabdotus 
     
     
104. Haitises Banded Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Sphaerodactylus samanensis
     
     
105. Altagracia Speckled Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1968)
     Sphaerodactylus savagei
     
     
106. Neiba Agave Dwarf Gecko  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1998)
     Sphaerodactylus schuberti
     
     
107. Hispaniolan Small-eared Dwarf Cuckoo  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1977)
     Sphaerodactylus streptophorus
     
     
108. Barahona Limestone Dwarf Gecko  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1976)
     Sphaerodactylus thompsoni  
     
     
109. Upland Gecko  (SP: Salamanquita Negra)  ______  PR
     Sphaerodactylus klauberi
     
     
110. Common Dwarf Gecko  (SP: Salamanquita, or Geco) ______  PR
     Sphaerodactylus macrolepis 
     
     
111. Ground Gecko (or Wood Lizard)  ______  CY  (endemic in the Caymans: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman Brac)
     Sphaerodactylus argivus
     Sphaerodactylus argivus argivus  (subspecies: on all 3 of the Cayman Islands)
     Sphaerodactylus argivus lewisi  (subspecies on Grand Cayman)
     Sphaerodactylus argivus bartschi  (subspecies on Little Cayman) 
     
     
112. Ocellated Gecko  ______  JM  
     Sphaerodactylus argus argus 
     
     
113. Fantastic Least Gecko  ______  DM
     Sphaerodactylus fantasticus fuga  (subspecies on Dominica)
     
     The Fantastic Least Gecko is a regional endemic in the Lesser Antilles. 
     
     (In Dominica, found at scattered locations along the west (Caribbean) coast)  
     
     
114. Vincent's Least Gecko  ______  DM  (In Dominica: confined to wet, high elevations)
     Sphaerodactylus vincenti
     
     
115. Turnip-tailed Gecko  ______  DM  (also called Tree Gecko)  (In Dominica: widespread)
     Thecadactylus rapicauda
     
     
116. Northern Woodslave  (SP: Salamanquesa) (i)  ______  PR  
     Hemidactylus brooki  
     
     
117. Dominican Leaf-toed Gecko  ______  DR  (species described in 1980)
     Phyllodactylus hispaniolae
     
     
118. Aruban Leaf-toed Gecko  ______  NA
     Phyllodactylus julieni
     
     Phyllodactylus julieni is endemic to the island of Aruba.
     
     
119. Tropical House Gecko  (i)  ______  AB:Antigua(*)  CY(*):all 3 islands  DM(*)  
     Hemidactylus mabouia
     
     The Tropical House Gecko is introduced in the Caribbean from South America/Africa.
     
     (On Dominica: widespread, usually around human habitation)   
     
     
120. Yellow-headed Gecko  ______  CY:Grand Cayman  
     Gonatodes albogularis
     
     The Yellow-headed Gecko is introduced in the Caribbean from Central America. 
     
     
     Family IGUANIDAE  (Iguanas & allies)
     
     Members of the genus CYCLURA, occurring only in the Caribbean region, are known as "CYCLURIDS", or more commonly as "ROCK IGUANAS".  
     
     
121. Rhinoceros Iguana  (t3) (ph)  ______  DR(*)  PR(Mona Island)(*) 
     Cyclura cornuta
     Cyclura cornuta stejnegeri  (subspecies: "Mona Island Iguana") (*)
     Cyclura cornuta onchiopsis  (subspecies: "Navassa Island Iguana", now believed to be extinct)
     
     The Rhinoceros Iguana is endemic to Hispaniola & on Mona Island that is part of Puerto Rico mid-way between Hispaniola & Puerto Rico.
     
     
     
     A Rhinoceros Iguana photographed during the FONT tour 
     in the Dominican Republic in April 2012
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
122. Ricord's Iguana  (t1) (He/DRe)  ______  DR(*)  (also called Hispaniolan Ground Iguana and Banded Iguana) 
     Cyclura ricordi
     
     The Ricord's Iguana is endemic to Hispaniola.
     
     
123. Jamaican Iguana  ______
     Cyclura collei
     
     
124. Cuban Iguana ______  CU  CY  (range in Cuba & the Caymans: Little Cayman & Cayman Brac)
     Cyclura nubila
     Cyclura nubila caymanensis  (subspecies "Lesser Cayman Iguana")
     
     
125. (Grand Cayman) Blue Iguana   ______  CY(*)  (endemic to Grand Cayman) (a subspecies of the Cuban Iguana)
     Cyclura nubila lewisi
     
     A Blue Iguana may hold the record for the world's longest-living lizard, having lived about 69 years, with 54 of them in captivity
     It was captured on Grand Cayman in 1950 by the naturalist Ira Thompson, and then imported to the United States in 1985 by Ramon Noegel and sold to the reptile importer and breeder, Tom Crutchfield.
     Crutchfield loaned "Godzilla" to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas in 1997. It was at there at that zoo that the lizard was named "Godzilla" by the staff, and was kept until his death in 2004. 
     When Thompson captured the iguana on Grand Cayman, it was estimated to be 15 years of age.
     
     
126. Anegada Ground Iguana  ______  (restricted to Anegada Island in the British Virgin Islands)
     Cyclura pinguis
     
     
127. Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana  ______
     Cyclura carinata
     Cyclura carinata bartschi  (subspecies: "Bartsch's Iguana")
     
     
128. Northern Bahamian Rock Iguana  ______
     Cyclura cychlura
     Cyclura cychlura cychlura  (subspecies: "Andros Island Iguana")
     Cyclura cychlura figginsi  (subspecies: "Exuma Island Iguana")
     Cyclura cychlura inornata  (subspecies: "Allen Cays Iguana")
     
     
129. San Salvador Iguana  ______
     Cyclura rileyi
     Cyclura rileyi cristata  (subspecies: "White Cay Iguana")
     Cyclura rileyi muchalis  (subspecies: "Acklins Iguana")
     
     
130. Lesser Antillean Iguana  (t3)  ______  AB(Antigua)  DM(*)
     Iguana delicatissima
     
     The Lesser Antillean Iguana occurs throughout the Lesser Antilles on the islands of: Saint Barth, Anguilla, St. Martin, St. Eustatius, Antigua, Guadeloupe, Dominica, and Martinique.
     
     (In Dominica: common in certain areas on both the east (Atlantic) and west (Caribbean) coasts, and occasionally in the rainforest)
     
     
131. Green Iguana  (iWI) (ph)  ______  CY(*)  DM(*) 
     Iguana iguana   
     
     The Green Iguana is introduced in the Caribbean from Central America.
      
     
     Family POLYCHROTIDAE  (Anoles & allies)
     
     
132. Cuban Green Anole  (ph)  ______  CU  DR(i)(*)  (also introduced in southern Florida, USA)
     Anolis porcatus
     
     
     
     A Cuban Green Anole during the FONT tour
     in the Dominican Republic in April 2012
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
133. Puerto Rican Crested Anole  (SP: Lagartijo Comun)   ______  DM(*)  PR(*)  (also called Common Dwarf Lizard)
     Ctenonotus (or Anolis) cristatelllus
     
     The Puerto Rican Crested Anole is introduced on the Lesser Antillean island of Dominica, between 1997 & 2002, where it is limited to the southwest (Caribbean) coast in the area of Roseeau. 
     
     
134. Puerto Rican Giant Anole  (SP: Lagartijo Verde) ______ PR
     Anolis cuvieri
     
     
135. Pygmy Anole  (SP: Lagartijo Pigmeo) ______ PR
     Anolis occultus
     
     
136. Emerald Anole  (SP: Lagartijo Verde) ______ PR
     Anolis evermanni 
     
     
137. Yellow-bearded Anole  (SP: Lagartijo Barba Amarilla)  ______  PR
     Anolis gundlachi
     
     
138. Upland Grass Anole  (SP: Lagartijo Jardinero de Montana)  ______  PR
     Anolis krugi  
     
     
139. Sharp-mouthed Lizard  (SP: Lagartijo Jardinero) ______  PR
     Anolis pulchellus 
     
     
140. Salmon Lizard  (SP: Lagartijo Manchado) ______  PR
     Anolis stratulus  
     
     
141. Orange-armpit Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis aliniger
     
     
142. Alto Velo Gracile Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Anolis altaveiensis
     
     
143. Barahona Grass Anole  ______  DR  (species described in 1976)
     Anolis alumina
     
     
144. Black-throated Stout Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis armouri
     
     
145. Bahoruco Long-snouted Anole  ______  DR  (has also been called Bahoruco Bush Anole)
     Anolis bahorucoensis
     
     
146. Dominican Giant Anole  (He/DRe) (ph)  ______  DR(*)
     Anolis baleatus
     
     
     
     Above & below: Dominican Giant Anoles photographed during 
     the FONT Dominican Republic Tour in February 2012
     (photos by Marie Gardner)
     
     
     
     
147. Baoruco Giant Anole  ______  DR  (species described in 1962)
     Anolis barahonae
     
     
148. Hispaniolan Hopping Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis barbouri
     
     
149. Desert Gracile Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis brevirostris
     
     
150. Northern Hispaniolan Green Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis chlorocyanus
     
     
151. Big-fanned Trunk Anole  ______  DR  (species described in 1960)
     Anolis christophei   
     
     
152. Southern Hispaniolan Green Anole  (ph)  ______  DR(*)
     Anolis coelestinus
     
     
     
     A Southern Hispaniolan Green Anole during the FONT tour
     in the Dominican Republic in April 2012 
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
153. Hispaniolan Stout Anole  (ph)  ______  DR(*)  (also called the Large-headed Anole) 
     Anolis cybates
     
     
     
     Hispaniolan Stout, or Large-headed, Anole during the FONT tour
     in the Dominican Republic in April 2012 
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
154. Hispaniolan Gracile Anole  (ph)  ______  DR(*)  (also called the Bark Anole)
     Anolis distichus
     
     
     
     Above & below: Hispaniolan Gracile, or Bark, Anoles during the April 2012 
     FONT Dominican Republic Tour at Boca de Yuma
     (photos by Marie Gardner)
     
     
     
     
155. Cordillera Central (or Montane) Bush Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Anolis etheridgei 
     
     
156. Black stream Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis eugenegrahami
     
     
157. Green-banded Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Anolis fowleri
     
     
158. LaSelle Long-snouted Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis henderoni 
     
     
159. Cordillera Central Twig Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Anolis insolitus
     
     
160. Anolis koopmani  ______  DR
     
     
161. Barahona Stout Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis longitibialis
     
     
162. Red-fanned Stout Anole  (He/DRe) (ph)  ______  DR(*)  (species described in 1975)
     Anolis marcanoi
     
     
     
     A Red-fanned Stout Anole photographed during the FONT tour
     in the Dominican Republic in April 2012  
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
163. La Hotte Bush Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis monticola
     
     
164. Desert Grass Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis oissoni
     
     
165. Neiba Twig Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1989)
     Anolis placidus  
     
     
166. Haitian Giant Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis ricordii
     
     
167. Artibonita Bush Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis rimarum
     
     
168. Banded Red-bellied Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis rupinae
     
     
169. Hispaniolan Grass Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis semilineatus  
     
     
170. Bahoruco Twig Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1974)
     Anolis sheplani
     
     
171. Cordillera Central Stout Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis shrevei
     
     
172. Hispaniolan Twig Anole  ______  DR  (another name has been Green Twig Anole)  (species described in 1965)
     (another name has been Green Twig Anole)  (species described in 1965)
     Anolis singularis 
     
     
173. Baoruco Stout Anole  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1979)
     Anolis strahmi
     
     
174. Pallid Stout Anole  ______  DR
     Anolis whitemani  
     
     
175. Blue-throated Anole (or Chameleon)  ______  CY  
     Anolis conspersus
     Anolis conspersus conspersus
     Anolis conspersus lewisi
     
     The Blue-throated Anole is endemic to Grand Cayman Island.
     
     
176. Little Cayman Green Anole  ______  CY  
     Anolis maynardi
     
     The Little Cayman Green Anole is endemic to Little Cayman Island. It has been introduced on the island of Cayman Brac.  
     
     
177. Brown Anole (or Bush Lizard)  ______   CY(*)  
     Anolis sagrei
     Anolis sagrei sagrei  (range of this subspecies is Cuba, Jamaica, the Bahamas, & the Caymans: Little Cayman & Cayman Brac; introduced on Grand Cayman; also coastal Central America)
     Anolis sagrei luteosignifer  (range of this subspecies is the same as Anolis s. sagrei, except in the Caymans where only on Cayman Brac) 
     
      
     
     Brown Anole
     (photo by Peter Mooney, during a FONT tour)
     
     
178. Watt's Anole  ______   AB(*)
     Anolis wattsi forresti  (subspecies endemic on Barbuda; by some has been considered a distinct species)
     Anolis wattsi  (subspecies on Antigua) 
     
     
179. Leach's (or Antiguan) Anole  ______   AB(*)
     Anolis leachii
     
     The Leach's Anole is endemic to Antigua & Barbuda, occurring on both islands.    
     
     
180. Redonda Anole  ______  AB
     Anolis nubilis
     
     The Redonda Anole is endemic to the Antiguan islet of Redonda.
     
     
181. Dominican Anole  ______  DM(*)  (also called Eyed Anole, or "Tree Lizard")
     Anolis oculatus 
     
     Anolis oculatus is endemic to Dominica. There are 4 subspecies, recognized as ecotypes:
     A. o. oculatus
     A. o. cabritensis
     A. o. montanus
     A. o. winstoni
     Widespread and abundant in all areas below 900 meters in elevation. The south Caribbean ecotype is being displaced by competition from the invasive Anolis cristatellus. 
     
     
182. Leopard Anole  ______   GD(*)
     Anolis mormoratus
     
     The Leopard Anole is endemic to the island of Guadeloupe
     
     
183. Morne Constant Anole  ______  (was part of Anolis mormoratus)
     Anolis ferreus
     
     The Morne Constant Anole is endemic to Marie Galante Island, off Guadeloupe.
     
     
184. Les Saines Anole  ______  (was part of Anolis mormoratus)
     Anolis terraealtae
     
     The Les Saines Anole is endemic to the islands Iles de Saintes, off Guadeloupe.
     
     
     Family TEIIDAE  (Whip-tailed Lizards)
     
     
185. Common Ground Lizard ______  PR(*)
     Ameiva exsul  
     
     
186. Hispaniolan Giant Ameiva  (He) (ph)  ______  DR(*)
     Ameiva chrysolaema
     
     
     
     A Hispaniolan Giant Ameiva during the April 2012 FONT Dominican Republic Tour 
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
187. Pygmy Blue-tailed Ameiva  (He)  ______  DR
     Ameiva lineeolata
     
     
188. Hispaniolan Blue-tailed Ameiva  (He)  ______  DR
     Ameiva taeniura
     
     
189. Griswold's Ameiva  ______   AB:Barbuda(*)
     Ameiva griswoldi
     
     The Griswold's Ameiva has also been called the Antiguan Ground Lizard. 
     It is endemic to the island of Antigua & Barbuda. On Barbuda, it is common. On Antigua itself it does not occur, but it survives on a number of offshore islands and islets.
     
     
190. Aruban Whiptail Lizard  ______  NA
     Cnemidophorus arubensis
     
     Cnemidophorus arubensis is endemic to Aruba and is the most common lizard on the island.
     
     
191. Alto Velo Curlytail  (He)  ______
     Leiocephalus altavelensis
     
     
192. Orange-bellied Curlytail  (He)  ______
     Leiocephalus barahonensis  
     
     
193. Hispaniolan Maskless Curlytail  (He) (ph)  ______  DR(*)  (has also been called the Santo Domingo Curlytail)
     Leiocephalus lunatus
     
     
     
     Above & below: Photos of a Hispaniolan Maskless Curlytail
     during a FONT Dominican Republic Tour in February 2012   
     (photos by Marie Gardner)
     
     
     
     
194. Hispaniolan Masked Curlytail  (He)  ______  DR
     Leiocephalus personatus
     
     
195. Hispaniolan Khaki Curlytail  (He)  ______  DR
     Leiocephalus schreibersii
     
     
196. Hispaniolan Pale-bellied Curlytail  (He) (ph)  ______  DR(*)
     Leiocephalus semilineatus
     
     
     
     A Hispaniolan Pale-bellied Curlytail during the FONT tour
     in the Dominican Republic in April 2012
     (photo by Marie Gardner)
     
     
197. Curly-tailed Lizard (or Lion Lizard)  ______  CY  (range in the Bahamas, Cuba, & the Caymans)
     Leiocephalus carinotus
     Leiocephalus carinotus varius  (subspecies on Grand Cayman)
     Leiocephalus carinotus granti  (subspecies on Little Cayman & Cayman Brac)
     
     
     Family ANGUIDAE
     
     
198. Eastern Glass Lizard  ______  CY:Grand Cayman   
     Ophisaurus ventralis 
     
     The Eastern Glass Lizard is introduced on Grand Cayman Island, from Florida, US.
     
     
     Family ANGUIDAE  (Anguid Lizards)
     
     
199. Puerto Rican Galliwasp ______  PR
     Diploglossus pleei  
     
     
200. Montserrat Galliwasp  ______  MT
     Diploglossus montisserrati
     
     The Montserrat Galliwasp is a lizard endemic to Montserrat that was known for a while from one specimen collected in 1964. But it was rediscovered in 1998.  
     
     
201. Serpentine Four-toed Galliwasp  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1971)
     Celestus agasepsoides
     
     
202. Altagracia Giant Galliwasp  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1979)
     Celestus anelpistus
     
     
203. Puerta Plata Giant Galliwasp  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Celestus carraui
     
     
204. Hispaniolan Khaki Galliwasp  (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1951)
     Celestus curtissi
     
     
205. Hispaniolan Striped Galliwasp  (He/DRe)  ______  DR
     Celestus darlingtoni
     
     
206. Hispaniolan Earless Galliwasp  (He)  ______  DR
     Celestus haetianus
     
     
207. Pico Duarte Galliwasp  (He/DRe)  ______  DR  (species described in 1976)
     Celestus marcanoi
     
     
208. Hispaniolan Four-toed Galliwasp  (He)  ______  DR
     Celestus sepsoides
     
     
209. Hispaniolan Keeled Galliwasp  (He)  ______  DR
     Celestus stenurus
     
     
210. Hispaniolan Giant Galliwasp  (nt) (He)  ______  DR  (species described in 1970)
     Celestus watteni
     
     
211. Garman's Galliwasp  ______  CY  (range is Jamaica & the Caymans: Little Cayman & Cayman Brac) 
     Celestus crusculus maculates
     
     
212. Common Blind Snake Lizard ______  PR
     Amphisbaena caeca 
     
     
     Suborder SERPENTES  (Snakes)
     
     
     Family TYPHLOPIDAE   
     
     
213. Cayman Islands Dwarf Boa  ______  CY(*)  (also called "Lazy Snake")
     Typhlops caymanensis
     Typhlops c. caymanensis  (subspecies on Grand Cayman)
     Typhlops caymanensis parkeri  (subspecies on Little Cayman)
     Typhlops caymanensis schwartzi  (subspecies on Cayman Brac)
     
     Typhlops caymanenis is endemic to the Cayman Islands. 
     
     
214. "Blind Snake"  ______  CY  (endemic to the island of Cayman Brac)
     Typhlops epactia
     
     Typhlops epactia has been said to be Typhlops bimiensis epacta, a subspecies of the Antillean Blind Snake. 
     
     
215. Common Worm Snake ______  PR
     Typhlops ricahardi
     
     
216. Tail-spotted Worm Snake ______  PR
     Typhlops rostellata
     
     
217. Brahminy Blind Snake (or Flowerpot Snake)  ______  CY:Grand Cayman  
     Ramphotyphlops bramimus
     
     The Brahminy Blind Snake was introduced on Grand Cayman Island from Pacific Asia. 
     
     
     Family LEPTOTYPHLOPIDAE
     
     
218. Two-lined Blind Snake  ______  SL
     Leptotyphlops bilineatus
     
     Leptotyphlops bilineatus is endemic to the island of Martinique.
     
     
219. Saint Lucia Threadsnake  ______  SL
     Leptotyphlops breuili 
     
     Leptotyphlops breuili is endemic to the island of Saint Lucia. It is very small, up to 119mm.
     
     
220. Barbados Threadsnake  ______  SL
     Leptotyphiops carlae
     
     Leptotyphiops carlae is endemic to the island of Barbados. It was only recently discovered in 2008, and is said now to be the smallest snake known to exist.   
     
     
     Family COLUBRIDAE 
     
     
221. Puerto Rican Racer (or Ground Snake)  ______  PR
     Alsophis portoricensis
     
     
222. Cuban Racer (or Ground Snake)  (*)  ______  CY  (range in Cuba & the Caymans: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, Cayman Brac)
     Alsophis cantherigerus
     Alsophis cantherigerus caymanus  (subspecies: Grand Cayman)
     Alsophis cantherigerus fuscicauda  (subspecies: Cayman Brac)
     Alsophis cantherigerus ruttyi  (subspecies: Little Cayman)    
     
     
223. Antiguan Racer  (t1)  ______  AB
     Alsophis antiguae
     
     The Antiguan Racer is one of the world's rarest snakes, nearing extinction. It has recently occurred only on the very small Great Bird Island, 2 miles northeast of Antigua, but it has been introduced to other small islands.
     it is green-brown, harmless, and up to 3 feet long. 
     
     
224. Water Snake  ______  CY  (range Cuba & the Caymans: Grand Cayman)
     Tretanorhinus variabilis
     Tretanorhinus variabilis lewisi  (subspecies in the Caymans)   
     
     
     In the genus ARRHYTON, the "Island Racers", there are 12 species. 8 of them are endemic to Cuba.  
     
     
225. Puerto Rican Garden Snake ______  PR
     Arrhyton exiguum
     
     
226. Arrhyton supernum  ______  CU  
     
     Arrhyton supernum is endemic to Cuba. The species was described in 1992. 
     
     
227. Arrhyton procerum  ______  CU  
     
     Arrhyton procerum is endemic to Cuba. The species was described in 1992.
     
     
     In the genus UROMACER, the "Pointed Snakes", there are 3 species.
     
     
228. Sharp-nosed Green Treesnake (or Vinesnake)  ______ DR
     Uromacer frenatus
     
     
229. Blunt-headed Green Treesnake (or Vinesnake)  ______  DR
     Uromacer catesbyi
     
     
230. Uromacer frenatus  ______ 
     
     
231. Hog-nosed Racer  ______  DR  (also called the Hispaniola Cat-eyed Snake)
     Hypsirhynchus ferox
     
     
232. Corn Snake  (i)  ______  CY:Grand Cayman  
     Elaphe guttata
     
     The Corn Snake was introduced on Grand Cayman Island from Florida in the US.   
     
     
233. Saint Lucia Racer  (t1)  ______  LA  (also called Couresse)
     Leimadophis ornatus
     
     Leimadophis ornatus occurs only on Maria Islet off Saint Lucia. There have been very few, if any, recent sightings.   
     
     
234. Baker's (or Aruba) Cat-eyed Snake  ______  NA  (also called Santanero)
     Leptoeira bakeri
     
     Leptoeira bakeri occurs on the island of Aruba. It is typically less than 50cm in length. 
     
     
     Family BOIDAE
     
     
     EPICRATES is a genus of non-venomous  boas in the West Indies, and also in South America and lower Central America.   
     
     
235. Puerto Rican Boa  ______  PR
     Epicrates inornatus
     
     
236. Mona Boa  ______  PR
     Epicrates monensis
     
     The Mona Boa is endemic to Mona Island, off the west coast of Puerto Rico. It grows to over 3 feet long. This species, with such a limited range, has been teetering back from the brink of extinction.  
     
     
237. Hispaniolan Boa  ______  DR
     Epicrates striatus
     
     
238. Haitian Ground Boa  ______  DR
     Epricrates fordii
     
     
239. Haitian Tree Boa  ______  DR
     Epricrates gracilis
     
     
240. Jamaican Boa  ______  JM
     Epricrates subflavus
     
     
241. Cuban Boa  ______  CU  (range in Cuba & the Bahamas)
     Epicrates angulifer
     
     The Cuban Boa has been known to catch bats from tree branches.
     
     
242. Turks & Caicos Boa  ______
     Epicrates chrysogaster
     
     
243. Abaco Island Boa  ______
     Epricrates exsul
     
     
244. Boa Constrictor  (*)  ______  DM  SL  (also called "Tete-chien" due to the dog-shape of the head)
     (also called "Tete-chien" due to the dog-shape of the head)
     Boa constrictor nebulosa  (subspecies on Dominica: "Dominican Clouded Boa")
     Boa constrictor orophias  (subspecies on Saint Lucia: "Saint Lucia Boa")
     
     In the Caribbean, the Boa Constrictor occurs on Dominica, Saint Lucia, San Andres, Providencia, and on other islands closer to the Central & South American coast.
     
      
     
     A Dominican Clouded Boa found along a road during a FONT tour in Dominica
     
     
     Family VIPERIDAE
     
     
245. Saint Lucia Lancehead (or Viper) (*)  ______  SL  (on Saint Lucia called "Serpent")
     Bothrops caribbaeus
     
     Bothrops caribbaeus is endemic to the island of Saint Lucia. It is a most dangerous snake, striking extraordinarily fast. On average, it injects 105mg of venom. Half that dosage is fatal to humans.  
     
     
246. Martinique Lancehead  ______  MQ
     Bothrops lanceolatus   
     
     
     The Lanceheads of the Caribbean, B. caribbaeus & B. lanceolatus, are closely related to the 2 species of Fer-de-Lances of South & Central America.   
     
     
247. Aruba Rattlesnake  (t1)  ______  NA 
     Crotalus durissus unicolor
     
     The Aruba Rattlesnake is critically endangered. It is estimated that less than 230 adults survive in the wild.
     Some treat Crotalus durissus unicolor as a full species.    

To Top of Page