Cuban knight anole, Cuban giant anole, Chipojo (Cuba)
The Knight anole (Anolis equestris) is the largest species of lizrd. It is also known as the Cuban knight anole or Cuban giant anole, highlighting its native country. In its native Cuba, this large anole is called chupacocote.
The Knight anole is mostly bright green with a yellow stripe on the side of the head and another on the shoulder, but it is able to perform some color changes. It has a pinkish-white dewlap. Juveniles have light bands on the body. Males of this species are typically larger than females.
Knight anoles are native to Cuba but have been widely introduced into South Florida, where they reproduce and spread readily. In Cuba, they live in a wide range of habitats with trees, such as forest, mangrove, savanna, cultivated areas, and gardens. In their introduced Florida range Knight anoles even occur in trees along roads in Miami.
Knight anoles are generally solitary creatures. However, as they cannot withstand cold temperatures in highland parts of their native Cuba, a few individuals may rest adjacent to each other during the relatively cold winters. In winter in Florida, they even have been known to freeze and fall to the ground from tree canopies. Knight anoles are arboreal and mostly found high in trees on the trunk or branches in the canopy. However, they will descend to the ground to get from one tree to another, or for thermoregulation, when occasionally seen on warm asphalt, rocks, or sidewalks. Knight anoles are diurnal and fiercely territorial. Initially, they turn to face almost any perceived threat, if only from a distance. During its challenge display, a lizard will sit high on all fours, gape menacingly, turn green, and perhaps bob its head. The male will extend its dewlap, and both females and males will "puff themselves up" with air.
Knight anoles are carnivores (insectivores) and their diet consists mainly of insects and snails. They also eat fruits and may occasionally take small vertebrates such as small birds and reptiles (including other anoles).
Knight anoles are polygynandrous (promiscuous) which means that both males and females have multiple partners in a single breeding season. They are oviparous (egg-laying) and usually breed in summer.