Anolis apletophallus is a species of anoles, iguanian lizards in the family Dactyloidae native to Panama. The species was split from Anolis limifrons in Köhler and Sunyer (2008).[1] It has been reported in Panama, Honduras and Colombia.[2] A decline in its population in Panama over a 40-year timespan has been attributed to changes in local climate, with years following El Niño negatively affecting the species.[3]
Only fairly recently recognized as its own species, the specific epithet of this species translates to "immense penis", due to its large bi-lobed hemipenis as an identifying feature described by Köhler and Sunyer (2008).
A. apletophallus is a relatively small mainland anole getting to about 40–45 mm (snout-to-vent), but have a large dewlap relative to their body size. The species displays dewlap polymorphism, where some populations' dewlaps are orange, while others are white with a basal orange dot, and others still display both dewlap morphs. No genetic differences were found between individuals with different dewlap morphs.[4] They are rather short-lived with a 9 month generation time making them an annual species, with the adults reaching maturity in about 4–6 months.
A. apletophallus is a mainland species native to Panama and may also be found in Colombia.[5]