Green Anole Care Sheet
Discover how to care for Green anoles (Anolis carolinensis), the affordable and widely available pet lizard in the United States, with this comprehensive care guide.
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Description: Green anoles are known for their vibrant green coloration, ability to change to brown when stressed, and distinctive behavior, making them a popular choice among reptile enthusiasts.
Range: Found in the Southeastern United States, Bahamas, Cuba, and other Caribbean islands, the Green anole is the only native anole species in the U.S.
Physical Description: Featuring green bodies, white undersides, and toe pads for climbing, Green anoles also possess a reddish dewlap in males and a small dorsal crest.
Size: Typically reaching lengths of 8″ to 9″ as adults, with hatchlings starting at around 2″ in length.
Behavior: Diurnal and quick-moving, Green anoles thrive in group settings but should be handled with care due to their ability to drop their tails.
Enclosure: A 20-gallon tank is suitable for multiple adult anoles, with a substrate mix of sand and coco husk to retain humidity. Provide hiding spots and a shallow water dish.
Heating & Humidity: Maintain humidity levels between 60% to 70% and temperatures of 110F to 120F for basking. Use an under tank heater and mist the cage daily to create a tropical environment.
Lighting: Provide UVB lighting for 14 hours a day to support vitamin D3 synthesis and enhance coloration.
Feeding: Offer a diet of crickets, mealworms, and waxworms dusted with calcium supplements. Green anoles have hearty appetites and should be fed accordingly.
Breeding: Breeding age is reached at 12 months, and females lay one or two eggs in the substrate every two weeks. Incubate eggs at 84F for five weeks until hatching.
Price Range: Green anoles are affordable, usually priced under $10 each, and readily available as pets.
Species Notes: Often mistaken for chameleons due to their color-changing abilities, Green anoles are unrelated to true chameleons.
Summary: With their striking appearance and manageable care requirements, Green anoles are an excellent choice for reptile enthusiasts seeking an affordable and captivating pet lizard.