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Green/Brown Anole Care Guide
Did You Know?
- Anoles are all lizards in the family genus Anolis.
- They are native to North, Central and South America and prefer living in warm, tropical regions.
- On average they are usually small, green or brown, and most can change color to some extent.
- They have the ability to change color.
- They have sticky feet that allow them to climb up smooth surfaces.
- The flap of skin under their chin is called a dewlap.
- Every Anole species is harmless to humans.
Species Information
LIFE SPAN
Approximately 6 years
AVERAGE SIZE
6-9 inches
NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION
Some Anoles can be tamed to sit on the hand, but being out of the cage generally stresses them. When chased by a predator and grabbed by the tail, they will drop their tail to better escape. Anoles can be territorial so adequate space is a must when housing multiples together.
CAGE TEMPERATURE
Day Temps: 75-80°F
Basking: 85-90°F
Cool Side: 65-75°F
HUMIDITY
60-70% humidity levels
FEEDING
Anoles are insectivorous which means they eat live insects. Gut-loaded crickets, small mealworms and wax worms dusted with a supplement should make up their diet.
SUPPLEMENTS
Dust food with calcium and vitamin supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than an adults.
WATER
A large bowl of clean, fresh, chlorine-free water must always be available and changed daily.
ENCLOSURE SIZE
Anoles need a 20 gallon or larger reptile tank with very secure mesh top and clips.
BRANCHES & PLANTS
Anoles love to climb and additionally must have a basking area on the warm side of the tank. Choose branches that your lizard can climb on safely and lie on comfortably.
DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING
All reptiles must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Anoles need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime.
UVB LIGHT
Exposure to UVB (ultraviolet B) light is CRITICAL in allowing an animal to synthesize vitamin D3 in their skin and metabolize calcium in their body.
HABITAT MAINTENANCE
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month.
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
- 20 Gal (or larger) reptile tank with secure clipped mesh top
- Appropriately sized dome & heat light
- UVB bulb & housing
- Temperature/humidity gauge
- Coconut fiber substrate (moistened)
- Live or artificial plants, branches & vines for climbing (reptile-safe)
- Large water bowl - big enough to soak in
- Live food
- Dry hide house
- Calcium & vitamin supplements
- Water dechlorinate drops
- Spray bottle
Vet Approved
Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.
For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.
Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.
For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.
Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.
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