Green Anole

American Anole
Carolina Anole
American Chameleon

Anolis carolinensis

Description

Green Anoles are one of the most common reptiles found in pet stores. They are a relatively small, mostly green (although they can change colors to brown rapidly—sometimes giving them the misnomer, chameleon), diurnal, mostly arboreal lizard. Males have a white, pink, light-red, or sometimes blue-purple colored dewlap. In addition to their ability to change colors, green anoles share another attribute with true chameleons; their eyes can move independently of one another. They grow to between 5-8 inches (12-20 centimeters) long and have life spans of up to 8 years, although 3-6 years is typical.

Natural Habitat

Green anoles are native to the southeastern seaboard of the United States; from southeastern Texas eastward and up into southern North Carolina. They are the only anole species native to the United States. They prefer humid regions, but have adapted well to other areas provided that temperatures are not too extreme (generally areas that do not freeze). They spend most of their time camouflaged amongst foliage either basking in sunlight or searching for small insects.

Artificial Habitat

Green anoles are most comfortable in a heavily planted, naturalistic vivarium setting. Although they like to climb, enclosures do not have to be vertically oriented provided they incorporate adequate foliage. Green anoles (and the plants they require) benefit from UV lighting, so a full-spectrum bulb should be included in their habitat. Green anoles obtain their moisture requirements by licking dew off of leaves, branches, rocks, even one another, so daily misting is essential. Green anoles are most comfortable with daytime temperatures of between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures dropping 10-15 degrees. A basking spot of 95-100 degrees (depending on the enclosure size) should be provided. Several manufacturers now offer spotlights that also emit UV—these are ideal for small green anoles enclosures.

Diet

Green anoles are opportunistic feeders, with their diet mainly consisting of small insects, with a particular propensity for flies. Other food items can include: mosquitoes, moths, flies, beetles, spiders, small waxworms and crickets. Mealworms are not recommended for green anoles unless they are small and just molted (white in color). Just molted mealworms have a soft exoskeleton that will not cause the digestive problems that chitinous brown exoskeleton does. Green anoles also like several varieties of pureed fruit-based baby food, with peach seeming to be especially savored. As mentioned above, green anoles will obtain their water requirements by licking water droplets, so misting should occur daily (usually after the enclosure has warmed up).

Caveats

Unfortunately, due to their inexpensiveness and commonness in the pet industry, Green Anoles are often taken for granted. Although a green anole may be an inexpensive starter reptile, a proper habitat can easily cost ten times the amount of the lizard. When purchasing a green anole, keep in mind that proper husbandry is essential to your lizard’s well-being.

Additional Notes

In spite of their commonality in the pet industry, green anoles can be fascinating and entertaining pets for both beginning and advanced herpers. Green anoles are active and will often appear to play with one another and can be kept in relatively large groups (approximately 1 anole per 5 gallons of enclosure space). Green anoles also lend themselves well to multi-species vivariums, happily occupying the walls and ceilings of an enclosure while adding a splash of color.