How to Tell the Difference Between Male & Female Cuban Knight Anole

The Cuban knight anole is native to Cuba, but they have migrated to Florida and some Caribbean Islands with human assistance. As a pet they are better kept singly or as a single male with two to three females. Male anoles are territorial and are best not kept together because they will fight. To avoid this you need to know how to discern the difference between males and females.

Instructions

    • 1

      Check your anoles for a large dewlap (throat fan), which males display to females and rivals. Some species of females have dewlaps but they are much smaller.

    • 2

      Check for a dorsal crest beginning behind the head, which is raised as part of a threat display. When threatening a rival, the male raises this crest and extends the dewlap.

    • 3

      Lift the tail and look below the vent. Males have enlarged post-anal pores.