Green anoles are small, hardy lizards found throughout much of the southeastern United States. Although they are not the most popular lizards in the hobby, many people keep green anoles as pets. Green anoles are good beginner lizards, though they are shy and do not take well to being handled excessively. Review their care requirements to see if a green anole is right for you.
Characteristics of Green Anoles
Green anoles normally live in trees, but can be found in a variety of areas. The small lizards are commonly found in suburban yards, perched on fences or even roofs. Although green anoles are usually bright green, they can also be brown or grayish. They are also referred to as American chameleons because they can change color; however, they are not related to true chameleons. Their colors change due to factors such as health, temperature, and mood.
Physical Appearance of Green Anoles
Green anoles are the only anole native to the United States.
- Since they change colors in response to temperature changes, green anoles are normally green when they are warm and active. Their color changes to brown when they are cold or sleeping.
- If stressed or ill, the lizard often turns a dark brown.
- Males have a pinkish-colored fan or dewflap (a flap of skin) on their throats that easily distinguishes them from females.
- The small lizard grows to approximately 8 inches in length, with females measuring slightly smaller.
Green Anole Lifespan
Green anoles have a typical lifespan of approximately 4 years, although they may live up to 8 years.
Behavior of Green Anoles
Green anoles are active during the day and like to bask in vegetation. During cool weather, they may be found hiding under tree bark or even roof shingles.
- Green anoles are quick and agile. They have pads on their feet that allow them to easily climb and cling to a variety of surfaces.
- Male anoles are territorial, and display behavior such as head bobbing to express dominance.
- A male anole will extend its throat and flare its dewflap to make its body appear larger. It will also turn its body sideways toward an opponent as a form of intimidation.
- Male anoles will open and close their dewflaps as an aggressive act to defend territory, or to entice females.
Green Anole Diets
A green anole's diet consists of a variety of insects, such as:
- Spiders
- Flies
- Crickets
- Ants
- Moths
- Termites
- Beetles
- Cockroaches
- Butterflies
- Slugs
- Worms
They can only detect prey that is moving. Green anoles prefer insects that move fast since they enjoy the chase. They drink water from the dew on plants and tree leaves. Green anoles are not harmful to children or pets. They are actually beneficial since they consume a variety of insects that can infest homes or harm garden plants.
Housing Green Anoles as Pets
If you have a green anole pet, pay careful attention to how you house it. This species is somewhat more delicate than other lizard species kept as pets, so make sure your pet's environment suits its needs.
Enclosures for Green Anoles
Green anoles should be kept in a well-ventilated enclosure. A 10-gallon aquarium with a screened top is appropriate. If you are keeping more than one male anole, they should have separate enclosures since males will fight without adequate space. It is best to keep a male alone or with several females. You should use a substrate of slightly damp peat moss or sphagnum moss. If possible, place several live plants in the habitat to provide climbing places for your anole. To set up your anole's enclosure, you will need the following items:
- Aquarium
- Screened top
- Substrate
- Shallow water dish
- Branches for climbing
- Basking light
- Full-spectrum lighting
- Under tank heater
Heat and Lighting
Use a 24-hour under-the-tank heater to provide a temperature range. A 50-watt aquarium heater is a good choice to provide your anoles with humid heat.
- Use two thermometers on each side of the aquarium to keep track of the cooler and warmer areas of the temperature range.
- During the summer months, pet anoles can fare well at room temperature, but winter months can be particularly difficult and they need 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher temperatures in order to digest their food properly and remain healthy.
- Full-spectrum UVA and UVB lighting is necessary for anoles to synthesize vitamin D3.
- Position full-spectrum and basking lights outside the cage so the anole does not burn itself.
Feeding Your Green Anole
Feed adult anoles approximately five crickets per day. Dust the insects with vitamin powder before feeding. You can also feed your pet lizard houseflies, mealworms, silkworms, and fruit flies. It is best to feed anoles at the same time each day and in the same area of the enclosure.
Water for Your Green Anole
Anoles typically drink moisture from leaves. Use a drip dispenser for water so that drops may be placed on plant leaves and mist the inside of the aquarium two to three times daily. You can also put a small water dish in your pet's habitat, however, don't be surprised if your anole doesn't drink from it.
Health Care for Green Anoles
Green anoles are relatively low-maintenance amphibian pets. When you are purchasing your anole, look for an animal that is active and alert. Don't be alarmed at the sight of lost toes or missing tails since anoles regenerate them. Regardless of the type of pet you own, you need to find a reptile veterinarian and schedule an initial exam for your pet to assess its health. Call prospective veterinarians and inquire about prices and practices before choosing one.
Maintaining Good Health
At the initial examination, you will find out how healthy your anole is, and how you can maintain its health. If you have any questions, be sure to ask the veterinarian. Once you take your pet home, observe it closely to learn about your pet. It is easier to care for your anole and treat it properly if you are familiar with your pet's normal appearance and behavior.
Common Green Anole Health Problems
Green anoles rarely suffer health problems if they receive proper lighting and nutrition. However, there are a few health conditions that may afflict green anoles:
- Mouth Rot is a secondary infection that occurs with cuts around the snout or mouth. Symptoms include a puffy discoloration around the mouth and a cheesy build-up between the teeth. Left untreated, the condition can result in tooth loss, deterioration of the jawbone, and possible death. Consult a veterinarian for treatment.
- Respiratory ailments are rare in green anoles but may result from cold, damp environmental conditions such as excessive dampness in the enclosure. Symptoms include labored breathing through a partially opened mouth. Consult a veterinarian for treatment. Keep the enclosure clean and dry. Use the proper substrate.
- Metabolic Bone Disease results from improper nutrition or lack of UVB rays. Symptoms include a thin body, weakened legs, and puffy jawline. Treatment consists of high-quality nutrition and proper full-spectrum lighting.
Happy and Healthy Pets
Green anoles are relatively easy to keep happy and healthy. If properly fed and cared for, they can live a long, healthy life and keep you entertained with their clever behavior and playful antics. Provide your lizard with the correct environment and support its health with diet and nutrition, and you'll find this species makes a great pet.
