Among the many immigrants to reach Hawaiian shores are certain members of the reptilian order Squamata, which includes lizards and snakes.
Among the many immigrants to reach Hawaiian shores are certain members of the reptilian order Squamata, which includes lizards and snakes.
In addition to the several species of geckos, there are species of skinks, anoles, iguanas and chameleons that also established themselves as colonists.
William Mautz pulls back the foliage to look at these special creatures from 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, at the Lyman Museum. Mautz will discuss their habits and habitats, how and when they came to Hawaii, and prospects for a future in which other immigrant lizards could gain a toehold.
Mautz is a professor of biology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where he teaches and conducts research.