[2] The species demonstrates adaptations that allows it to spend periods of time underwater up to approximately a quarter of an hour, forming an air bubble which clings to its head and serves to recycle the animal's air supply while it spends time beneath the surface.

Members of this order are found on every continent other than Antarctica, and they live in a variety of habitats, while showcasing various different traits.

[6] Iguania is a suborder that includes species of chameleons, iguanas, and New World lizards such as the water anole.

The water anole, in contrast, is terrestrial, and spends most of its time on the ground or climbing rocks and large boulders.

[6] In most species of Dactyloidae, males have a flap of skin that extends from their necks, which is often brightly colored and used for display.

Therefore, the trait of body coloration is one that is under the influence of two contradicting results: an increase in reproductive success and a decrease in survival rate.

[10] The water anole is unusual in that it is able to stay underwater for long periods of time – a behavior that is described as "scuba diving".

By submerging themselves underwater for prolonged periods of time, the water anole is able to remain invisible to its predator.

[4] It has also been confirmed that many of the insects found in the water anoles' stomachs live primarily underwater.

The water anoles use this "scuba diving" ability to hunt prey that live underwater and would otherwise be inaccessible to the lizards.

[11][12] The reason that these lizards are able to remain submerged for long periods of time is their ability to create a bubble of air over heads while underwater.

Researchers have suggested that this species inhales and exhales the oxygen in the air bubble for a lengthy time period - a mechanism that ultimately permits their prolonged submersion.

[12] In addition, it has been suggested that the lizard simultaneously uses the air bubble to remove carbon dioxide from its body.

[4] The formation of an air bubble in water anoles is likely facilitated by the highly hydrophobic character of their skin.

[13] The water anole exhibits the behavior of residing in different locations based on age and gender.

In both scenarios, the water anole's ability to remain underwater for a prolonged period enables them to engage in both of these effective anti-predatory strategies.

[16] Diving lizards, such as the Anolis aquaticus, are believed to have evolved to be able to respire while staying underwater by holding air between their cuticles and the water that they are surrounded with.

This is a development that was necessary for the lizards, that were initially terrestrial creatures restricted only to breathing directly through the air, to be able to dive underwater, which aids them in concealing themselves from predators.

This hydrophobic skin, however, is a trait that can be seen among terrestrial anole species as well, that may benefit them in their ability to effectively dive.