4342. Dewlaps in lizards

 

A dewlap is a longitudinal flap of skin or similar flesh that hangs beneath the lower jaw or neck of many vertebrates.  

Many reptiles have dewlaps, most notably the anole family and Sitana genus of lizards, which have large skin dewlaps they can extend and retract. 

 

PURPOSE OF DEWLAP IN LIZARDS

The dewlap is primarily used when indicating territorial boundaries and for males to attract females during the mating season. 

The pigments generating this color are pterins and carotenoids.Pterin and carotenoid pigments are located throughout the tissue of the dewlap, creating yellow and red hues

 

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SINGAPORE- 20 OCT 2025: 12.03pm. Bird Paradise. The Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) is a small brown lizard from the Carribean. It is introduced throughout the island, via plants imported by nurseries.

 

 

What are anoles?

Anoles are tropical lizards, related to related to iguanas, that live in the warmer regions of the Americas and Caribbean.

What is a dewlap?

The dewlap is a little flap of skin on the underside of the neck of anoles. It can be contracted and retracted using special cartilage.

Why do they have a dewlap?

Anoles are not very vocal, so the dewlap provides another communication tool that can be waved like a flag. When an anole is angry, it flashes its dewlap repeatedly, at the same time performing push-ups to make itself look bigger and more intimidating. A male displaying to a female does the same thing to look more strong and appealing.

Can anoles see in colour?

Anoles have incredible colour vision, able to see ultraviolet light and detect complex patterns – useful for distinguishing between more than 400 species across the tropics of the Americas and Caribbean, all flashing their dewlaps.

Each of those species has a specific pattern and colour combination on its dewlap that makes it recognisable to members of its own species. (Two species have lost their dewlaps, and have found other ways to communicate).

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Are all lizards venomous? Fortunately, most lizards that invade homes are not venomous. The most common lizards that come into your home are anoles and house geckos. Neither of these lizards are considered venomous or harmful at all. However, take caution if you live in area populated by Gila Monsters, since these are venomous to humans.

What are house geckos? The Hemidactylus frenatus is otherwise known as the common Asian house Gecko. These geckos can be found in locations all over the world, especially in tropical countries. These lizards are not harmful, but they can definitely be considered pests.

What areas of the world have more lizards than others? Warm and humid locations are more likely to have lizards. If you live in the Southern United States, you may be very likely to have lizards coming into your home. And if you live in a location like this, you may have to take extra precautions against lizards coming inside.

 Many birds also have dewlaps, including domestic chickens, some cracids and some guans.


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