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Daniel Pineda Vera / iNaturalist / https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/73606-Anolis-alvarezdeltoroiIMAGE INFORMATION

Two live Chamelions, from Mexico

Object Status:

Unlocated

Accession Date:

June 29, 1810

Primary Source Reference:

Peale Museum Accessions Book, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, p. 51

Notes:

There are no chameleons in Mexico. Peale may have had a lizard in the family Dactyloidae, commonly known as anoles, that are native to warmer parts of the Americas, ranging from southeastern United States to Paraguay. They are sometimes called chameleons because of their color-changing ability. There are about 50 species in Mexico, one of which, the Mexican cave anole (Anolis alvarezdeltoroi), is pictured here.

Specimen Type:

Live (presumably eventually taxidermied/preserved)