These small, agile lizards do change colors from green to brown but Anolis carolinensis are not true chameleons. See the common traits and needs of keeping anoles.

Adult Size and Lifespan of Green Anoles:

Most green anoles will only grow about 8” long including their slender tails and usually live an average of 3 years in captivity. Meeting their needs and special requirements can help them reach optimum health and extend their life.

Housing a Green or Carolina Anole Lizard:

A 10-gallon tank sized enclosure will easily house one green anole but these community animals often do well with one male and one or more females and a larger tank will be needed for a larger population. Anoles are arboreal, spending a lot of time in tree tops and branches so a vertically aligned tank is preferred but not necessary.

Special Lighting Requirements of Anoles:

Like most reptiles, anole lizards need UVA and UVB lighting provided for proper nutrient absorption and calcium utilization. These lights should be replaced every 6 months even if they are still producing visible light since they will stop making UVA and UVB light waves. Potential anole owners should be aware of the added expense of these special, sunshine mimicking lights.

Food and Diet Needs of Anole Lizards:

Anoles are mostly carnivorous animals and do best on a varied diet of many insects and bugs including mealworms, crickets, flies and even household pests like small spiders or baby cockroaches. Newly hatches anoles do well on small fruit flies until they are big enough to eat small crickets.

In the wild, anoles also supplement their diet lapping up fruit juices and sweet nectar so while they may not actually eat pieces of fruit, give them to chance to sample it as an occasional treat. Powdered vitamin supplements should be dusted on their prey at least once a week to ensure your anole gets enough calcium and Vitamin D.

Regular Care Needs of Anoles:

Anoles should be fed 3-5 times weekly although daily feedings are best for juveniles. Daily misting of plants in the terrarium or vivarium is needed to keep the humidity levels at the desired 70-80% levels anoles prefer. They do not usually drink water from a water dish but usually lap up water droplets from their environment. Scoop up the obvious droppings once a week and change or wash the tank bedding monthly.

Tameability, Handling Requirements and Social Nature of Anoles:

Anoles are communal creatures by nature and are very happy being kept in groups of 2-5 as long as only one male is in the group. Anoles should not be handled regularly by their human owners however as it generally stresses them. Also, be aware that like most reptiles, anoles have the possibility of carrying salmonella so be sure to clean hands thoroughly after handling the lizard and enclosure.

Anoles are active during the day and rest at night making them a good option for viewing entertainment compared to nocturnal reptiles. They are very fast moving and quick.

Anoles need a daytime temperature between 75-85 degrees (24-29 Celcious), a basking spot of 85-90 degrees (29-32 C) and take a night time temperature of 60-75 degrees (16-24 C). Remember to keep the humidity at proper levels (use a hygrometer to check!) and your anoles will be more likely to stay happy and healthy.

Purchasing or Acquiring an Anole:

Green anoles, or Carolina anoles, are native to North America and wild caught specimens are often available. A captive bred anole will settle into a pet situation more easily, is less likely to carry pests and diseases and doesn’t impact the environment to the same extent as trade in wild animals would.

More Resources:

How to Set Up An Anole-Friendly Habitat