ORDER

Squamata (lizards and snakes)

FAMILY

Polychrotidae (anoles)

HABITAT AND RANGE

Knight anoles are native to Cuba but have radiated to Florida and other Caribbean islands through human facilitation. Knight Anoles are arboreal and commonly found under shady canopies of large trees.

IDENTIFICATION

Knight anoles grow to a length of 13 - 19 3/8 inches. They are the largest of the Anolis species. The snout is long and wedge-shaped. The tail is slightly compressed with a serrated upper edge. Each toe is expanded in the form of an adhesive pad. The adhesive toe pads allow the knight anole to easily run up smooth, vertical surfaces, or run body downward on a horizontal plane. They are bright green in color which can change to a dull grayish-brown.

DIET

Insects are the preferred food, with crickets being an adequate staple. Knight Anoles are relentless hunters. They also eat moths, spiders, grubs and other available insects. They detect prey by motion being relatively oblivious to stationary prey.

REPRODUCTION AND LIFESPAN

Knight anole males will usually collect a small harem of 2-3 females. Breeding takes place during the summer. Males are very intolerant to other males in their territories during breeding season. Females that enter a male's territory will be approached by the male and if they are willing to mate they will crouch motionless on a branch. If they are unwilling or not ready, the male will still pursue the female and attempt to overpower her. Lifespan in the wild is 10 years.

NOTES

When threatened a knight anole's defensive response is to turn its body sideways (making it appear larger) and expand its throat fan and gape menacingly. When two males battle (for territory or mates for example) they turn bright green.