Knight Anole

The knight anole (Anolis equestris), also called the Cuban knight anole, is the largest kind of anole lizard. This bright green tree-dweller comes from Cuba and can grow to about 33 to 51 cm (13 to 20 inches) long from nose to tail tip.

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Knight anole
Scientific name	Anolis equestris
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Squamata
Family	Dactyloidae
Genus	Anolis
Conservation status	Least Concern
Type	Reptile; the largest anole, lives in trees
Diet	Crickets, grubs, spiders, cockroaches and moths
Habitat	Trees, in the shade of trunks
Native range	Cuba; introduced to South Florida
Size	13-20 inches (33-51 cm) long
Lifespan	10-15 years in captivity
Special feature	Falls unconscious from trees in freezing weather

Anatomy

Knight anoles are much bigger and heavier than most of their relatives, such as the familiar green anole lizard. Most adults measure 33 to 51 cm (13 to 20 inches) in total, and more than half of that length is tail. Males are usually larger than females.

They are usually bright green with a pale yellow or white stripe under the eye and another over the shoulder. Their large, bony head has a bumpy ridge on top. Like many anoles, they can change color, turning from bright green to dark brown when stressed, cold or upset.

Males have a large pink throat fan called a dewlap, which they spread out to show off to females and warn rival males. In captivity, knight anoles often live for 10 years or more.

Distribution

Knight anoles are native to Cuba, where they are known as chipojo. People brought them to South Florida, probably through the pet trade, and they are now well established there as an introduced species.

They cannot cope with freezing temperatures. During rare cold snaps in South Florida, knight anoles become stunned by the cold and can fall from the trees, though many recover when they warm up again.

Natural Habitat and Behavior

Knight anoles are arboreal, living high in the trunks and branches of trees. They are active in the daytime. They often stay in the canopy, but sometimes come down to bask, and they may stay active into the evening on warm walls or tree trunks.

They are territorial and bold. When threatened, a knight anole turns sideways to look bigger, raises a crest along its back, opens its mouth and spreads its dewlap. It can deliver a strong bite.

Feeding

In the wild, knight anoles eat mostly insects and spiders, such as crickets, cockroaches, grubs and moths. Because of their size, they also eat snails, small birds, tree frogs and smaller lizards, including other anoles. They will also eat soft fruit.

In captivity, they can be fed crickets, roaches, mealworms and other feeder insects every day or every other day, with a little soft fruit about once a week. Dust insects with a calcium powder a few times a week and a calcium-plus-vitamin D3 supplement about once a week.

Knight Anoles as Pets

Knight anoles are best for experienced keepers, as they are large, fast and can bite hard. Never release a pet anole outdoors, as introduced reptiles can harm local wildlife.

Housing

Because they are tree-climbers, knight anoles need a tall enclosure that is higher than it is wide. A single adult needs at least a 45 x 45 x 90 cm (18 x 18 x 36 inches) terrarium, and bigger is better. Add plenty of sturdy branches, vines and live or artificial plants for climbing and hiding, which helps the lizard feel secure. Keep only one adult male per enclosure, as males fight.

Substrate

A natural mix of soil, coconut fiber or bark, about 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4 inches) deep, holds humidity well. Make sure it contains no fertilizers or pesticides. Avoid gravel and pebbles, as anoles can swallow them while catching prey. Paper towels are a simple, easy-to-clean option for quarantine or sick animals.

Water and Humidity

Knight anoles rarely drink from bowls. Instead, they lap droplets from leaves. Mist the enclosure at least twice a day so they can drink and so the humidity stays around 60 to 80%. A dripper system can also help.

Lighting and Temperature

Provide a UVB reptile lamp across the top of the enclosure for 10 to 12 hours a day, plus a heat lamp at one end. The basking spot should be about 90 to 95°F (32 to 35°C), and the cooler parts around 75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C). At night, temperatures can drop to around 70°F (21°C).

Breeding

Knight anoles breed in the warmer months. A male bobs his head and spreads his dewlap to court a female. After mating, the female lays a single egg at a time, usually in soil, a tree hole or under bark, and can lay another every week or two through the breeding season. The eggs hatch after about two months, and the young look after themselves right away.

Handling

Knight anoles do not enjoy being held, and they can give a painful bite. If a knight anole stays dark brown for a long time, it may be stressed or unwell, which can lead to illness. Keep handling to a minimum and enjoy watching them climb and hunt instead.

Knight anole FAQs