Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
Updated 5/05
©
2001 – 2005 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed
daily. It is recommend that a concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
Common Name:
Green Anole Latin name: Anolis carolinensis
Native to:
Southeastern United States from Florida to eastern Texas and north to Oklahoma and
North Carolina. Green Anoles can also be found in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Mexico.
Size:
Typically up to 9 inches, though some may reach as large as 12 inches.
Life span:
If properly kept, green anoles can live 7 to 10 years though the average life span is
only three to five years because many die due to improper care and neglect.
General Appearance:
The green anole is a small green lizard with a pointed nose, and a tail that
is generally twice as long as its body. They change color to brown when cold or stressed.
Both sexes have red throat fans called dewlaps though the male's is bigger and brighter.
Green anoles have long skinny toes with ridges on bottom for gripping. Juveniles have a
bluish-white stripe down their back. Females keep this stripe in adulthood, though males
will lose this stripe.
Housing requirements:
Enclosure:
A pair of green anoles should be kept in an enclosure no smaller than 20
gallons. Taller enclosures are preferred with plants or other types of ornaments to
allow the anoles space to climb. Males can not be housed together as they are
territorial and will often fight over the limited amount of enclosure space. Males
can be kept with one or more females and any number of females can be kept
together. Obviously, larger enclosures are needed for larger groups of kept
anoles. Because anoles have the ability to climb sheer surfaces, a secure top
should always be used with the enclosures.
Temperature:
Green anoles should be kept with ambient day temperatures of 75º to 80º
F with basking temperatures of 85º to 90º F. Temperatures of 65º to 75º F are
suitable at night.
Heat/Light:
Green anoles require ultraviolet (UV) light which can be provided with
fluorescent UVB bulbs or mercury vapor bulbs that can also provide heat for the
basking spot. Basking temperatures can also be achieved using incandescent
bulbs, infrared bulbs, or ceramic emitters if using fluorescent bulbs for UV light.
Under the tank (UTH) heaters can be used to raise the ambient temperature of the
enclosure if needed. Heat rocks, heat caves, and other similar items should never
be used under any circumstance.
Substrate:
Bark mulch, orchid bark, ground coconut fiber, and peat moss can all be used
to help create a naturalistic enclosure. Other substrates such as newspaper, paper
towels, or indoor/outdoor carpeting can also be used. If using naturalistic
substrates be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.