Binghamton, United States - September 17, 2024

In a discovery that could redefine our understanding of animal behavior in aquatic environments, researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York, have unveiled the remarkable adaptation of the water anole, a semi-aquatic lizard found in the tropical forests of southern Costa Rica. This tiny creature has been observed using a bubble as a makeshift scuba gear to breathe underwater, effectively hiding from predators in aquatic camouflage.

Assistant Research Professor Lindsey Swierk, who led the study, has been fascinated by these lizards' ability to stay submerged for extended periods. "We knew they could remain underwater for a considerable time, likely using the air bubble over their nostrils to breathe. But we needed to confirm if this bubble was merely a coincidental side effect or if it played a crucial role in their underwater survival," explained Swierk.

To test this, Swierk conducted an experiment where she applied a substance to the lizards' skin to prevent bubble formation. "Lizard skin is naturally hydrophobic, which helps air cling to it, forming bubbles. By coating the skin with an emollient, we disrupted this property," she detailed.

The results were telling. Lizards unable to produce their air bubbles could only stay underwater for significantly shorter periods compared to those in the control group, who managed to stay submerged 32% longer. "This experiment confirms that the bubble isn't just a side effect but an essential tool for prolonged underwater survival," Swierk said.

This adaptation grants water anoles a strategic advantage against predators like birds and snakes, allowing them to escape by diving and staying motionless underwater, their bodies effectively camouflaged. "They can remain underwater for up to 20 minutes, if not longer, making this bubble a critical survival mechanism," Swierk added.

The study not only highlights an intriguing aspect of animal behavior but also opens up avenues for further research into how other animals might utilize similar techniques for survival. "There's potential here for bioinspired materials, where nature's solutions could inspire human technological advancements," Swierk noted.

The fascination with this discovery extends beyond academia. "People who love scuba or freediving find it captivating that nature has its own version of this activity," Swierk mentioned, indicating a broader appeal that could engage public interest in science through relatable natural phenomena.

Future studies, spearheaded by Swierk's graduate student Alexandra Martin, will explore if these lizards employ a 'physical gill' mechanism, akin to some aquatic insects, which could explain even longer underwater durations by manipulating oxygen diffusion.

For enthusiasts and researchers alike, this discovery not only broadens our knowledge of animal adaptations but also underscores the endless wonders awaiting exploration in the natural world.