The green anole is relatively small, inexpensive, and easy to care for, but they need to be handled gingerly or not at all. These little lizards are common pets and make a good reptile for first time reptile keepers.
They are native to the southeastern United States and can be found in a wide variety of habitats. However, they do have the ability to secrete a toxin that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you are allergic to any part of this lizard, you should avoid handling it.
Table of Contents
How long do green anoles live?
While captive anoles can live up to 7 years, males in the wild seem to live no more than a couple of years. Birds are a major enemy and often anoles have missing tails and body wounds caused by being hit by cars. Anoles are also known to be aggressive towards humans.
They have been seen attacking people, especially children, and have even been reported to attack and kill people. Anoles have also been observed attacking and killing other birds, such as crows and magpies.
Where can I get a green anole?
The green anole lives in high humidity habitats. It can be found in swamps, forests, wooded beaches and other areas with trees. It is possible to find it in parks and yards. The green anole is often found basking in the sun as it clings to trees, shrubs, vines, palm fronds, and grasses.
Are green anoles rare?
They are extremely rare—usually produced in one of every 20,000 individual anoles in the wild. Only a few hundred individuals are affected by the yellow-phased green anole. Anoles are also known for their ability to camouflage themselves in a variety of ways. They can change their coloration to blend in with their surroundings. Anoles can also change the color of their eyes, making them appear to be a different color than they actually are.
Do green anole lizards bite?
They don’t bite, don’t eat anything but insects, and leave small, non-toxic droppings on the ground.
How many anoles can live in a 10 gallon tank?
A 10-gallon aquarium is sufficient for one to two anoles, while a 20-gallon aquarium is better for three to six anoles. To minimize stress among the anoles, create multiple basking spots and cooling areas within the enclosure. Don’t include more than one male and one female in the same enclosure. Ensure that the water temperature is at least 75°F (24°C) during the day.
An anole can tolerate temperatures as low as 50° F (10° C) at night, but it is best to keep the temperature as high as possible at all times. Provide a variety of substrates, such as sand, gravel, pebbles, and peat moss, to encourage the growth of algae and other microorganisms. Keep the substrate moist and well-oxygenated.
Avoid over-watering the tank, as this can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. Use a water conditioner to prevent algae growth. If you choose to use an aquarium heater, ensure that it does not overheat.
What does it mean when a green anole sheds?
The green anoles will lose their skin several times a year. The dead skin won’t fall in large chunks or pieces. As it sheds its skin, the lizard will be very stressed, and usually, these will die in a matter of a few days.
If you see a dead anole in your yard, do not panic. It is not a sign of an impending death, it is just a normal part of the shedding process. If you are concerned about the death of your lizard, contact your local reptile rehabilitator.
How do you tell if an anole is male or female?
Males usually have a bright pink to reddish dewlap, and when displaying they have a crest along their head and neck and a black patch between their eye and ear opening. Females have a light line along the middle of their back, with a white patch at the base of their tail. Males also tend to be larger than females. Males are also more aggressive and more likely to attack.
How do anoles give birth?
A mated female green anole lizard soon starts developing small, round, white eggs with thick shells. Each ovary produces a single egg in turn. The eggs are usually placed one at a time in a shallow nest in dirt or debris at the base of a plant, so be sure a suitable nest site is available. The eggs hatch in about a week, and the tadpoles are ready to leave the nest within a day or two.
They are about the size of an orange pea, but they can grow to be as large as a grapefruit. After a few days, they begin to eat their own feces, which is why they are sometimes called “fecal eaters.” They will also eat small insects and other small invertebrates, such as crickets and millipedes, as well as small vertebrates like frogs and lizards.
