American Anole

Common Group: AGAMAS AMEVAS & ANOLES
Common Name: American Anole
Scientific Name: Anolis carolinensis
Distribution: Southern U.S.A - Bahamas
Size: 6" - 8"

Natural habitat

These little green lizards are the only species of anole native to North America, and they can be found from North Carolina down through the Florida Keys and west all the way to Texas and Oklahoma. They have also been successfully introduced in Hawaii!

Behavior

These are small, nervous animals that do not thrive under frequent handling. Some anoles do become acclimated to humans, and some even tolerate occasional handling. A vast majority of anoles, however, do not become accustomed to human contact and will eventually become so stressed out that they refuse food and eventually perish. Some keepers mistakenly believe that because an anole is not attempting to run away, it is "tame", but more often the case is actually that the anole is too stressed out to move.

In a vivarium setup, these are fascinating and entertaining lizards to watch. They can be kept communally, and often their antics can rival those of a TV sitcom. Only one male should be housed in the cage at any given time, as they are very territorial and will defend their territory against other males.

Captive environment

Green anoles require at least a 10 gallon tank, but will thrive in larger enclosures that allow them to fully exhibit their wide range of entertaining behaviors. A cage that is 18" x 18" x 24" can be used with great success to house a small colony of anoles together.

For bedding, a substrate that holds moisture and allows evaporation to increase humidity within the cage is a necessity. This can be accomplished with orchid bark, jungle bedding, compressed coconut, or loose coconut husk. All of these beddings will also allow for the planting of live plants into the enclosure, which will increase humidity within the cage and provide naturalistic hiding and basking spots for the anoles.

In addition to heat, which will be covered below, Green Anoles require full spectrum UVB lighting in order to thrive in captivity. In small cages, such as the standard 10 gallon aquarium, this is best accomplished with a traditional fluorescent tube specially designed to emit UVB for reptiles. In large enclosures that are over 30" in one dimension, use of a mercury vapor bulb can be safely considered. As these bulbs are much larger and hotter than standard basking bulbs, caution must be exercised when using them for small lizards such as Anoles.

Temperature

Green anoles prefer basking temperatures in the high 80s to mid 90s, and display their best colors when provided with a basking area of this temperature. This can be accomplished through the use of basking bulbs, halogen lights, or day bulbs. The opposite, and cooler, end of the enclosure should not reach temperatures above 80 degrees, to ensure that these little lizards are able to thermoregulate as they need to.

Humidity

These little lizards are usually found in areas with high ambient humidity, and as such this environment should be mimicked in captivity. Regular misting of the cage with a hand spray bottle or pressure mister is recommended, and the cage should be misted at least once a day. Use of a fogger to increase humidity is also highly recommended.

Water requirements

A water bowl full of fresh, clean water should be provided at all times. This bowl can be placed on the ground, or mounted to the side of the cage using a magnetic ledge. Anoles will not only drink out of their water bowl, but they will lap water off of leaves and branches when their cage is misted.

Nutritional requirements

Green anoles will eat just about any small insect that moves. This includes crickets, mini mealworms, small roaches, and waxworms. All insects should be dusted with a high quality calcium powder containing D3 every feeding, and once a week or so, use of a reptile multivitamin is highly recommended.

Green anoles have also been known to sample commercial gecko meal replacement powders, such as those offered by Allan Repashy. Offering these tasty treats once a week or so can help provide additional nutrients and add variety to the diet.