Anole - Knight

Basic Info

The Knight Anole is the largest anole in the world, and reaches an average 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) to 18 (45.72 centimeters) inches in length at maturity, though specimens as large as 22 inches (55 centimeters) have been observed. Some say that the Knight Anole's profile resembles the knight piece in a game of chess, this might explain where it gets its unusual name. The Knight Anole has a bony ridge on its head and large scales. In addition, they have a small dorsal crest. They have special cushions or pads on their five clawed toes that allow them to stick to some surfaces. They have interesting dark makings on their bodies. On their shoulders, they have lighter markings, and their stomachs and under parts are typically white. The eyes of the Knight Anole can move independently. Males and females are easily distinguished, as males have very large dewlaps (also called gular fans). Males are usually larger than females, but a very old female could just as easily reach a maximum length. The Knight Anole does not change colors as dramatically as some of the smaller anoles, but they can be seen to change from green to a light brown with yellow markings.

Health

The Knight Anole is a warm weather species, preferring captive temperatures between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit (27.7 Celsius - 30 Celsius) in the daytime, with cool temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (23.8 Celsius - 26.6 Celsius) at night. This species does not tolerate cold temperatures well. They should be provided with full-spectrum fluorescent lighting. In captivity they should be misted at least twice a day and be watered on a drip system. A shallow bowl of water should be provided for your Knight Anole, though they will generally only drink water in the form of drops, which is why misting and drip watering are recommended. This Anole is typically less active than its smaller cousins. The Knight Anole is often best kept singly and should never be kept with smaller lizards, since small lizards make up part of their natural diet in the wild. Knight Anoles, will usually adjust to new their new environment easily, though in some cases it might take a while. If you live in the proper climate, an outdoor enclosure may be used. It is important to provide proper areas for basking and also shaded areas to avoid over heating. In addition outdoor enclosures should not be glass, but rather open circulation areas where air may flow freely throughout the enclosure. The Knight Anole lives an average 10 years, though they can live up to 12. Breeding The Knight Anole is an egg layer. It is reported that they lay 1 to 3 eggs per clutch.

Habitat

Fairly common in Southeastern Florida in the United States as well

Behavior

The Knight Anole is the largest anole in the world! It is also very popular among many hobbyists worldwide. The Knight Anole is a fascinating lizard to watch and is often a favorite among hobbyists of all degrees of experience. In the wild, the Knight Anole is most active in the day and is found almost exclusively in the trees. For this reason, in captivity it is important that their arboreal nature be taken into account. Good climbing areas should be provided with several branches throughout their enclosure, as well as additional plants for shelter. In the wild, the Knight Anole has been observed to eat small mammals, spiders, insects, small birds, tree frogs, and other lizards. Anoles generally eat insects and pinky mice in captivity. The Knight Anole is reported to do quite well on a varied diet that includes insects such as small grasshoppers, crickets, earthworms, wax worms, moths, butterworms and the occasional mealworm, as well as pinky mice. If one is trying to feed a wild caught individual that is a picky eater, it has been reported that feeding a variety of insects, including grasshoppers, including dragonflies, katydids and moths. Occasional feeding of vegetables is also recommended, though their diet is largely carnivorous. The Knight Anole has strong jaw muscles, which while not venomous, can cause a painful bite. In captivity the Knight Anole is known for its hardiness, which may explain some of its popularity in the pet trade. They are not, however, known for being easy to handle, and can in some cases be aggressive. If they are captive bred and hand raised, individuals will generally be less aggressive than wild caught adults. It has been reported that they can be housed together, but that one male will usually become aggressive and need to be seperated. Typically when the dominant male is removed, another will take its place. Some have reported having success keeping one male per group of individuals, but in some cases the male can show aggression to females.

Origin

Cuba

History

The Knight Anole is native to Cuba. Though since their introduction they are also fairly common in Southeastern Florida in the United States as well. The preferred natural habitat of the Knight Anole is one that is humid and warm. They are commonly seen in heavily forested areas that block out direct sunlight, but maintain high temperatures. Though some theorize that the Knight Anole's common name is derived from its facial features, it may be the case that the common name "Knight" is derived from the Latin species name "equestris" which is derived from "equester" a latin word for knights. This may be due to the yellow or sometimes white high-lights that can be seen between the body scales on most specimens and resemble plates of armor.

Common Foods

N/A