Knight Anole
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| Anolis equestris Merrem, 1820 |
The Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) is a species of lizard in the Polychrotidae family. It is native to Cuba, but has been introduced into the Dade and Broward counties of Florida. It pops to a length of 13 to 20 inches (33 to 51 cm). It is the largest anole and 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.
In captivity, their aggressiveness seems to lessen to a certain degree. In communal terrariums, with other species of lizards, they rarely attack smaller lizards unless they are hungry. Some even are able to be hand-fed, yet it should be done between the safety of the screen, since their bite is strong.
Knight Anoles are diurnal predators, though by warming themselves on asphalt, rocks, or sidewalks, they are able to predate slightly into the night. Their diet as a young anole consists mainly of insects. As a large adult it eats larger prey like tarantulas and other anoles.
[edit] External links
 Cuban Knight Anole |
