California Zoological Supply

CALZOO'S REFERENCE SHEET > Green Anoles

Latin name	Anolis carolinensis	Maximum length	5 - 8 inches
Native to	Southeastern United States	Approximate life span	3 - 6 years

GENERAL INFORMATION
Green Anoles are found from the Carolinas to Florida and across to Texas. Green Anoles are not always green as the name would have you think. Their ability to change color is a function of thermoregulation. When they are cold and trying to heat up they will take on a darker color. Once warm, Anoles will assume a lighter color. For this reason Anoles are often called American Chameleons. They are, however, from a completely different group of lizards than the true old world chameleons. Anoles are not only great beginning lizard for kids but also make wonderful companions to a community setup. Anoles will go well with a variety of other similarly sized animals. A good starting point might be Long Tailed Grass Lizards, Green Tree Frogs and Grey Tree Frogs. Choose animals that are of similar size and have the same forest set up requirements.

ENCLOSURE
Keep in well-ventilated aquarium. A 10 gallon aquarium with a screen top will work fine for up to 5 Green Anoles. But of course the larger the better. Anoles can be kept alone, or in groups consisting of 1 male and several females. Males kept together without adequate space are prone to fighting. Anoles can climb the glass walls of enclosures, so be sure the screen top is firmly in place. Include lots of climbing places. Decorate with real plants or use Zoo Med REPTI FLORA™. A few pieces of cork bark will give the Anoles a natural hiding place.

SUBSTRATE
Green Anoles can be kept well on slightly dampened sphagnum moss or Zoo Med REPTI-BARK™. Lightly dampened peat moss may also be used to simulate the woodland floor.

TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures should range between 75 - 82°f. A basking area should be provided with temperatures between 85 - 90°f. Nighttime temperatures should be allowed to drop as low as, but not lower than 72°f. The humidity level should be 50 - 70 %. In dryer climates an airstone may be used in the water bowl to raise the humidity. These animals will also require a light misting 2 - 3 times a day.

HEATING
Reptiles need to be able to regulate their body temperature, so a temperature range must be provided. Use a Zoo Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER (U.T.H.). Leave it on 24 hours a day. UTH's take a few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy heat control, use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with the U.T.H's. They will also slightly help to increase the air temperature if needed. Always use at least one thermometer in all reptile & amphibian enclosures, although two thermometers are optimal. Place one thermometer on the cooler side, and one on the warmer side. A Zoo Med DELUXE ANALOG MIN/MAX THERMOMETER works great to show the high and low temperatures in a 24 hour period.

LIGHTING
The Zoo Med REPTISUN 5.0™ with its high UVB and UVA output is an excellent choice for lighting. The UVB is helpful but not essential, and the UVA will help with your new friend's mental well being. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light cycle). A plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for your heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8 - 10 hours of light, 14 - 16 hours of darkness. Reptiles and amphibians cannot see the red light spectrum, so a red bulb is ideal for nighttime viewing of your Anoles.

FOOD & WATER
Feed medium size crickets daily. Dust food lightly with REPTIVITE™ every other feeding. Always feed your crickets assorted fruits and vegetables or a commercially prepared cricket diet 12 - 24 hours before feeding the crickets to your pets. Mist 2 - 3 times a day. Anoles like to drink from leaves, but a shallow water bowl should also be used. Use a REPTILE DRIP-WATERING SYSTEM arranged so that the water will drip down the leaves and into the water bowl.

NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, or even kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support products you may purchase. For further information on reptiles and amphibians we recommend you read the following magazines REPTILES, REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN, THE VIVARIUM and REPTILE HOBBYIST. California Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet on Green Anoles. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.

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