Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)

🐢 1. What they look like – physical description

🦎 Size:

Adults typically grow to 15–20cm (6–8in) including tail.

🎨 Color:

Typical bright green color that can change to brown or darker shades depending on mood, temperature, or stress level — these changes are not primarily for camouflage, but rather for communication and physiological responses.

Males have a colorful dewlap, which is often pink to red when displaying dominance or mating.

🦶 Body shape:

Narrow, action-like body with sticky webs on the toes that allow them to climb both smooth and textured surfaces.

📌 Sexual dimorphism:

Males tend to be more prominent with a larger dewlap and broader body; females may be smaller and more subtle.

🏡 2. Terrarium and environment requirements
🪟 Terrarium type

Vertically oriented terrarium (higher rather than wider), as the species is partly arboreal and likes to climb.

For one adult, the ideal dimensions are at least 45×45×60cm (18×18×24in).

🌡️ Temperature

Daytime temperature: ~24–29°C.

Basking (heating place): about 32–35°C.

Nighttime temperature: 20–22°C.

Such a temperature range helps them digest food properly and maintain activity.

💡 Lighting

UVB light (5.0–10%) supports calcium metabolism, bone health and overall vitality.

Light should be on 12 hours a day for a natural circadian rhythm.

💧 Humidity

Maintain 60–80% humidity with daily misting (spraying) — anoles drink water droplets from leaves rather than stagnant water in a bowl.

🪴 Substrate and decor

Coconut chips, moss, or reptile soil help maintain humidity.

Add branches, vines, twigs, and plants (live or artificial) — provide climbing space, hiding places, and observation.

💦 Water

Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water, but most of the drinking will be from the droplets after mating.

🍽️ 3. Feeding and nutrition

The green anole is fully insectivorous (eats insects).

🦗 Food

Live insects: small crickets, crawling spiders, small cockroaches (e.g. Dubia), mini mealworms, or flies.

📊 Feeding Frequency

Young: 2-3 feedings of small insects daily.

Adults: 2-3 times a day or daily — depending on the activity and appetite of the individual.

🧂 Supplementation

Calcium powder with D3 2-3 times a week and multivitamins once a week to support bone health and metabolism.

🧠 4. Nature and Behavior
🕊️ Daily Activity

Anoles are diurnal — most active during the day when they seek food and warmth.

🏡 Territoriality

Males are strongly territorial — males often behave dominantly, bob their heads, do "push-ups" and stretch their dewlap when defending their territory or attracting females.

Multiple males in one terrarium can lead to stress or fighting.

🌈 Color Change

Green anoles change color between green and brown depending on temperature, humidity, mood, or health.

🌀 Rescue Reflex

They can shed their tail (autotomy) when threatened — a new tail usually grows back, but never quite like the original.

🩺 5. Health Conditions and Common Problems
🦠 Respiratory Infections

Sometimes, at the wrong temperature or humidity, they manifest as difficulty breathing, sneezing, or mucus — requiring veterinary treatment.

🧠 Dysecdysis (poor molting)

In low humidity, anoles may have a problematic molting process.

🦴 Metabolic Bone Disease

A lack of UVB, calcium, or an imbalance in the diet can lead to weakened bones and deformities.

🐛 Parasites

Parasites in internal organs or on the skin can cause serious health problems; prevention includes hygiene and a quality diet.

🐣 6. Reproduction

Sexual maturity: reached after approximately 12–18 months.

The female lays 1 egg every ~2 weeks during the season.

The incubated egg usually hatches in a warm, slightly moist substrate 5–7 weeks after laying.

🧬 7. Species and variations

Anolis carolinensis is one biological species, but in terrariums they are not divided into classic morphs like snakes or geckos. However, the color can naturally vary from bright green to dark brown and individuals differ in patterning and color intensity.

⚖️ 8. Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
✅ Advantages

✔ Attractive behavior and appearance - colorful, active lizard.
✔ Relatively undemanding to space - suitable for smaller terrariums (vertical).
✔ A beginner-friendly species if the basic requirements are met.

❌ Disadvantages

✘ Territoriality between males – can lead to fights, stress and injuries.
✘ Sensitivity to environmental conditions – a mistake in temperature, humidity or light will quickly affect health.
✘ Not ideal for handling – they can be nervous, fast and may drop their tails during stressful handling.

🔍 9. How to choose a green anole

✔ Buy from a reputable breeder, or from a source with a proven history and healthy individuals.
✔ Look for active, brightly colored anoles without injuries, with clear eyes and smooth skin.
✔ Choose the right gender according to the purpose (for females, 1-2 will be enough, more males are often not ideal).
✔ Make sure the terrarium is properly equipped (UVB, heat, hygiene), because a good environment is the key to a long life.