What to Know About Green Anoles

Green Anole Care are relatively small, usually reaching about 5-8 inches in length, including their tails. Typically bright green, they can turn brown, and males often have a pinkish dewlap (a flap of skin beneath the throat) that they can extend to attract mates or assert dominance. They prefer warm, humid environments and are often found in trees, shrubs, and even on the sides of buildings.

Green Anoles are territorial and can often be seen displaying their dewlaps or performing push-up-like movements to ward off intruders. These lizards are popular in the pet trade due to their manageable size and relatively easy care. However, in the wild, their populations are sometimes threatened by habitat loss and competition with the invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei).

Species Summary

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a small, arboreal lizard native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its ability to change color between green and brown depending on environmental conditions and mood. Reaching about 5-8 inches in length, including the tail, the Green Anole is commonly found in warm, humid environments like trees, shrubs, and buildings.

Males have a distinctive pinkish dewlap used for attracting mates and asserting dominance. While popular in the pet trade, wild populations face threats from habitat loss and competition with the invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei).

Appearance & Colors

When in its green state, the lizard’s color can range from a bright, almost neon green to a darker, more muted green. In its brown state, the lizard can appear in shades ranging from light tan to a deep, almost chocolate brown. The transition between these colors can happen relatively quickly, often influenced by stress, temperature, or the need to blend into the surroundings.

Males also have a large, extendable dewlap under their throats, which is usually pink or reddish. The contrasting color of the dewlap against the green or brown body makes it particularly noticeable when extended.

Green Anole Lifespan

In captivity, with proper care, they can live slightly longer, often reaching up to 8 years. Factors that influence their lifespan include environmental conditions, predation, availability of food, and overall health.

In the wild, threats such as predators, habitat loss, and competition from invasive species like the Brown Anole can shorten their lifespan. Proper care in captivity, including a suitable habitat, diet, and regular veterinary care, can help maximize their lifespan.

Average Size

The Green Anole typically reaches an average size of about 5 to 8 inches in length, including the tail. The body itself is usually around 2 to 3 inches long, while the tail makes up the remaining length. Males tend to be slightly larger than females, though the size difference is generally not significant. Their slender, elongated bodies and relatively long tails give them a graceful appearance, well-suited for their arboreal lifestyle.

Green Anole Care

A 10-gallon tank is the minimum size recommended for a single Green Anole Care, though larger enclosures are preferred, especially for multiple anoles. Vertical space is important as they love to climb. Use a substrate that retains moisture but isn’t too wet, such as coconut fiber or reptile bark.

Maintain a daytime temperature of 75-80°F, with a basking spot reaching 85-90°F. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 65-70°F. A heat lamp or under-tank heater can help maintain these temperatures.

Green Anoles require a humid environment, with humidity levels between 60-70%. Provide 10-12 hours of UVB lighting daily, which is crucial for vitamin D3 synthesis, helping the anole absorb calcium and maintain strong bones. Green Anoles primarily eat live insects like crickets, mealworms, and small roaches. Insects should be appropriately sized, about the length of the anole’s head.

Tank Size

A 10-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size for housing a single Green Anole Care. However, a larger enclosure is always better, especially if you plan to keep multiple anoles. Providing ample height with branches, plants, and climbing structures will help create a more natural and stimulating environment for them.

Habitat Setup

Start with a tank that offers both horizontal and vertical space, with a 10-gallon tank as the minimum size for a single anole, but larger is preferred. Choose a substrate that retains moisture without being overly wet, such as coconut fiber, reptile bark, or a mixture of soil and sand. Avoid substrates like gravel or sand alone, as they can cause impaction if ingested.

Since Green Anole Care is arboreal, provides plenty of climbing structures like branches, vines, and live or artificial plants. These elements will allow the anole to move vertically and hide when it feels stressed. Adding broad leaves or plants can create shaded areas and help maintain humidity.

Humidity levels should be kept between 60-70%. Misting also provides drinking water, as anoles prefer to drink droplets from leaves rather than from a dish.

Temperature & Lighting

For Green Anole Care, maintaining the right temperature and lighting is crucial for its health and well-being. The enclosure should have a daytime temperature range of 75-80°F, with a basking area reaching 85-90°F. At night, temperatures can drop to around 65-70°F.

Use a heat lamp or under-tank heater to achieve these temperatures. The heat lamp should be positioned on one side of the tank to create a temperature gradient, allowing the anole to move between warmer and cooler areas. An under-tank heater can provide additional warmth if needed.

Provide 10-12 hours of UVB light each day, which is essential for the anole’s calcium metabolism and overall health. UVB light helps the anole synthesize vitamin D3, crucial for calcium absorption and bone health. Position the UVB light at the top of the enclosure so the anole can bask under it.

Replace UVB bulbs every 6-12 months, even if they still emit visible light, as their UVB output decreases over time. Additionally, a regular light source that simulates a day-night cycle is beneficial. This can be a standard fluorescent bulb that provides light during the day and is turned off at night to mimic natural light patterns.

Humidity

Misting: Mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water. This helps keep the air humid and provides a source of drinking water for the anole, as they prefer drinking droplets from surfaces rather than from a water dish.
Humidity Monitoring: Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels accurately.
Substrate: Choose a substrate that retains moisture, such as coconut fiber or reptile bark, to help maintain humidity levels. Avoid substrates like sand or gravel, which can dry out quickly and are less effective at maintaining humidity.
Water Dish: Include a shallow water dish in the enclosure to aid in humidity and provide an additional drinking source. Ensure the dish is small enough to prevent drowning risks, especially for young anoles.
Ventilation: Ensure the enclosure has good airflow, but avoid placing it in drafty areas that could lead to temperature fluctuations.

Water

Misting: Green Anoles prefer drinking droplets of water from misted surfaces rather than from a water dish. Mist the enclosure daily with dechlorinated water to provide drinking opportunities and help maintain humidity levels.
Water Dish: Although Green Anoles primarily drink from misted surfaces, it’s still a good idea to include a shallow water dish in the enclosure. This dish should be small enough to prevent drowning risks and should be cleaned and refilled with fresh water regularly.
Water Quality: Always use dechlorinated water for misting and in the water dish. You can use a water conditioner or let tap water sit for 24-48 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate before use.
Hydration Monitoring: Observe your anole’s behavior to ensure it is drinking and staying hydrated.

Food & Diet

To ensure proper nutrition, dust the insects with a calcium supplement 2-3 times a week, which is vital for bone health and preventing metabolic bone disease. Additionally, dust the insects with a multivitamin supplement once a week to provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Although Green Anoles primarily drink from misted surfaces, it’s also helpful to provide a shallow water dish in the enclosure. Ensure that the anole has access to clean, dechlorinated water at all times. Be mindful of overfeeding, as obesity can be a concern in captivity. Adjust the quantity of food based on the anole’s size, age, and activity level. Proper diet and supplementation will help maintain your Green Anole’s health and vitality.

Behavior & Temperament

Green Anole Care is generally shy and sensitive to handling. They are territorial creatures, with males being particularly aggressive towards other males. It’s usually best to keep only one male per enclosure to avoid conflicts. Multiple females or males with a few females can usually coexist peacefully.

Males use their pink or reddish dewlap, a flap of skin beneath their throat, to attract mates and assert dominance. They may also perform push-up-like movements to display their territory and deter rivals.

Conclusion

Caring for a Green Anole Care involves providing a suitable habitat, proper diet, and attention to its specific needs. These lizards thrive in well-maintained enclosures with appropriate temperature, humidity, and lighting. Their diet should consist of live insects, supplemented with calcium and vitamins to ensure their health.

While Green Anoles are generally shy and sensitive to handling, they can adapt well to a carefully crafted environment that mimics their natural habitat. By understanding their behavior and providing a stress-free setup, you’ll help ensure that your Green Anole remains healthy and active.