A semiaquatic lizard called a diving anole produces a special bubble atop its head to breathe underwater and avoid predators on land, according to research.

When Dr. Lindsey Swierk studies water anoles in Central and South America, she can feel their presence even when she doesn't see them. The assistant research professor of biological sciences at Binghamton University studies Anolis aquaticus, the lizard ...

When the lizards feel threatened by a predator, they dive underwater and produce a bubble over their heads to breathe.

For one lizard species living in the tropical forests of Costa Rica, their unique escape tactic involves a makeshift oxygen tank that allows them to hide underwater nearly as long as the Guinness World Record for a human holding their breath.

Almost every animal in the rainforest enjoys snacking on water anoles, but slippery skin and an ability to carry an air bubble underwater help them survive.

Little lizards that wear snout bubbles underwater really do seem to be using them as tiny scuba tanks. Water anoles (Anolis aquaticus) made headlines a few years ago when they were caught proudly holding onto shiny pockets of air while submerged in their Costa Rican streams.

In the tropical forests of Costa Rica, a small lizard uses its own form of scuba gear — an air bubble on its head that allows it to breathe underwater for extended periods 1. Although many small invertebrates use bubbles for underwater respiration,