The knight anole (Anolis equestris) is named because of the crested helmet on its head. It can usually be found on tree trunks, in bushes, or high in trees. It is slower than other anoles, but is fiercely territorial. It can be aggressive when disturbed, often biting attackers. It feeds on large insects, smaller anoles, frogs, fruit and nesting birds. Anoles can change the color of their bodies, usually from brown to green and back again. Excitement or environmental shifts—hot to cold, for example—can trigger these changes. Other common names include Cuban knight anole or Cuban giant anole.
