On the other hand, despite setbacks from collectors and freezes, the rather small South Florida population of the canopy dwelling Jamaican giant anole, Anolis garmani, has persisted. Males attain an overall length of about 11 inches; females top out at about 8 ½ inches. This, a color changing species, may vary between a rich brown and a vivid green in color. Males have a large yellow dewlap, females have a small grayish dewlap. Males may display several light bands and females several light spots along the sides. Both sexes have prominent, serrate, vertebral crests the extend from nape to well onto the tail.

I don’t believe more than a photo is needed to identify the gigantic (males to 19”, females smaller) knight anole, Anolis e. equestris. Another color changing species, the knight anole may be almost any shade of green from bright to forest to pale, or brown. No matter the body color, two flash markings are usually visible. One parallels the upper jawline from snout to tympanum and the second extends up and over the shoulder. A musculed crest topped by a row of serrate scales can be erected at will. The serrate scales, most prominent anteriorly, are always visible. This arboreal giant was introduced first to the area surrounding the Hialeah Dog Track but quickly acclimated, bred, and despite being extensively collected for the pet trade, now may be found over much of Florida south of Lake Okeechobee.

Smaller than the knight anole and much more limited in its Miami distribution, meet the pretty Jamaica giant anole.


Of Cuban origin, the immense knight anole is now commonly seen in South Florida.