A species of semi-aquatic lizard produces a special bubble over its nostrils to breathe underwater. (Credit: Lindsey Swierk)

The semi-aquatic species of lizard, water anole (Anolis aquaticus) found in Costa Rica have recently shown to have a unique way to evade predators, they dive into the water and create their own air bubble to breathe from! This marks the first known vertebrate that uses its own air bubble to breathe underwater, a feat previously only seen in invertebrates like beetles and spiders.

The mechanics of this rebreathing system are remarkable. When threatened, a water anole will quickly dive underwater and exhale a bubble that adheres to either the top or sides of its head. The lizard’s skin contains microscopic hair-like structures called spinules that trap air and repel water, allowing the bubble to stick to its body. Throughout its dive, the anole “rebreathes” this bubble at regular intervals, appearing to recycle the trapped air supply. The bubble can be observed appearing and disappearing around the head with each respiratory cycle as specialized scale and head structures help move air between the body surface and nostrils.

To read more about this study, visit here! Such a cool little lizard man! Nicknamed the Chicken Nuggets of the Forest, this finger sizes lizard is showing it is a true survivor!