Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
Green Anole (15-20 cm). Famous for its ability to change color from bright green to brown. Males showcase a prominent pink dewlap during territorial displays.
Environnement
Terrestre
Humidité
60 - 80 %
Température diurne
24 - 26 °C
Température ambiante
25 °C
Température nocturne
20 - 22 °C
Point de repos chauffant
30 - 32 °C
Taille adulte
20 cm
Enclos minimal
>= 45 L
UVB
Ferguson 2
UVI
0,7 - 1 UVI
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Native to the southeastern United States, particularly abundant in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Inhabits humid forests, suburban gardens, shrubs, and trees, leading a strictly arboreal life.
Taxonomy and Genetics: A small, slender lizard reaching 15-20 cm in total length. Known for changing its body coloration from bright emerald green to dark brown depending on temperature, mood, and health. Possesses adhesive toe pads.
Behavior and Habits: Active, diurnal, and arboreal. Excellent jumper and climber. Males are highly territorial, performing head-bobbing displays and extending their pinkish-red throat fan (dewlap) to deter rivals and court females.
Morphology: Males are significantly larger than females and possess a large, prominent pinkish-red dewlap and a small crest behind the head. Females often feature a light stripe down their spine and have a very reduced or absent dewlap.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Terrarium Setup: Requires a vertically oriented terrarium (minimum 45x45x60 cm for a small group). Provide climbing branches, vines, and live foliage (Pothos, Sansevieria) for shelter. Substrate should consist of moisture-retaining coconut fiber or peat moss.
Lighting and Heating: Provide a thermal gradient with a basking spot of 30-32°C, and a cool zone of 24-26°C. Night temperatures should drop to 20-22°C. High-quality UVB lighting (5.0) is essential for calcium synthesis and preventing MBD.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain relative humidity between 60% and 80% via twice-daily misting. Anoles rarely drink from water bowls; they lick water droplets from leaves, making daily spraying critical for hydration.
Feeding and Supplementation: Insectivorous. Feed daily on size-appropriate live insects, such as crickets, small roaches, mealworms, and flies. Dust prey with calcium powder 2-3 times a week, and a multivitamin with D3 once a week.
Compatibility: Keep in pairs or harems (one male with multiple females). Never house multiple males together, as they will fight aggressively. Do not mix with other reptile species.
Health and Common Diseases: Highly susceptible to metabolic bone disease (MBD) due to lack of UVB or calcium. Stress-induced color changes (remaining dark brown constantly) indicate issues with temperature or dominance. Mouth rot and respiratory infections can occur in cold, damp setups.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Native to the southeastern United States, particularly abundant in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Inhabits humid forests, suburban gardens, shrubs, and trees, leading a strictly arboreal life.
Origine
Amérique du Nord
Profil de reptile
- Régime alimentaire
- Insectivore
- This species is strictly insectivorous and relies on a varied diet of live insects. Offer appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms to ensure proper nutrition. All feeder insects should be gut-loaded and regularly dusted with calcium and multivitamin supplements.
- Taille adulte
- 20 cm
- Mode de vie/microhabitat
- Arboreal
- As an arboreal species, this reptile spends nearly all its life elevated in trees and shrubs. The terrarium must be vertically oriented with plenty of sturdy branches, vines, and elevated hides. Proper climbing structures are essential for their physical and mental well-being.
- Cycle d'activité
- Diurnal
- This species is strictly diurnal, meaning it is highly active during the daylight hours. It requires intense full-spectrum UVB lighting and a proper basking spot to regulate its metabolism. During the night, it will retreat to a secure hide to sleep in complete darkness.
- Sociabilité
- Solitary
- This species tends to be skittish and fast-moving, often relying on flight to escape perceived threats. They generally prefer to be left alone and can become easily stressed by sudden movements. It is best to appreciate their active behaviors from a distance as a display animal.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- This species reproduces by laying eggs, which require specific conditions to hatch successfully. Females will seek out a suitable nesting site with moist substrate to deposit their clutch. Eggs must be carefully removed and incubated at the correct temperature and humidity levels.
- Tolérance aux manipulations
- Display only
- Due to their fragile nature and fast speed, handling should be kept to an absolute minimum. They are best treated as display animals, as handling can cause severe stress or physical injury. If movement is necessary, coaxing them into a container is the safest method.
- Brumation
- This tropical species does not undergo true brumation and requires consistent temperatures year-round. While they may show a slight decrease in activity during winter, their enclosure parameters should not be drastically altered. Heating and lighting must be maintained at standard levels to ensure their health.
- Mue
- Periodic
- Like most lizards, this species sheds its skin in patches rather than in one continuous piece. Maintaining proper humidity levels and providing a humid hide are crucial to prevent stuck shed. Keepers should monitor the toes and tail tip closely to ensure all old skin is successfully removed.














































