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 recommended 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
cannot 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 80ºF 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.