Knight Anole

knight anole
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Polychrotidae
Genus:	Anolis
Species:	A. equestris
Binomial name
Anolis equestris Merrem, 1820

The knight anole (Anolis equestris) is a species of lizard in the Polychrotidae family, and the largest species of anole. Other common names include Cuban knight anole.

Geographic range

It is native to Cuba, but has been introduced into Miami-Dade (including Miami Beach), Broward, Palm Beach, and Collier counties of Florida. It grows to a length of 13 to 20 inches (33 to 51 cm) including the tail. It is now widely introduced in South Florida where it reproduces and spreads readily. They can not withstand freezing temperatures and in winter freezes in south Florida they drop semi-consciously from tree canopies. In its native Cuba this large anole is called “chispojo”.

Behavior

It is fiercely territorial. Aggressive to anything that enters its territory, the knight anole will face almost any intruder it perceives to be a threat (from a distance). During its display, a lizard will sit high on all fours, gape menacingly, turn green, and perhaps bob its head. Males will extend their dewlap (a reddish-white flap underneath their chin), and both females and males will "puff themselves up" with air.

Captivity

In captivity, the anole's aggressiveness seems to lessen to a certain degree. In communal terraria with other species of lizards it rarely attacks smaller lizards unless it is hungry. It may be hand-fed with caution, since it has a strong bite and many small, sharp teeth.

Habitat

Its main habitat is shady tree trunks, for these lizards are aboreal tree dwellers. The knight anole is a diurnal predator, though by warming itself on asphalt, rocks, or sidewalks at the end of the day it may be able to remain active for a while into the night.

Diet

Its diet as a young anole consists mainly of insects. As an adult it eats larger prey like tarantulas, other anoles, geckos, even baby birds and baby mice.

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  A. equestris at Museum of Science, Boston

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  Wild A. equestris

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  Detail of head

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  Knight Anole in Miami

See also

• List of Anolis lizards