Green Anole — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Green Anole get?

An adult Green Anole typically measures 12–20 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Green Anole — origin: Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas), in wooded areas and forest edges. An introduced species in several regions (Hawaii, Pacific islands, southern Japan). Not protected: IUCN 'Least Concern', not listed under CITES. Caution: a large part of the trade comes from wild-caught animals (individuals that are often stressed and parasitised)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min18 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

Basking spot30–32 °C

A diurnal, sun-loving species requiring a genuine hot spot under a spotlight (30–32 °C) for morning thermoregulation. A thermal gradient from one side of the terrarium to the other is essential. A night-time drop is beneficial (18–22 °C). Avoid sustained temperatures above 32–33 °C.

Enclosure (adult)

45 × 45 × 60 cm

Vertical, planted (arboreal) terrarium, tropical type

Minimum dimensions for 1 to 3 individuals; favour height and dense vegetation (live plants, vines, branches) providing perches, shaded areas and hiding spots. Good ventilation. Careful, secure closure: a small and very fast species that escapes easily.

Humidity

60–80 %

Daily misting (morning and evening) to maintain 60–80% and allow the animal to drink from the leaves; let it partially dry out between mistings to avoid stagnation and mould.

Substrate

Coco fibreFertiliser- and pesticide-free potting soilSphagnum mossLeaf litter

A well-draining substrate that retains humidity; ideal in a bioactive terrarium with microfauna (springtails, isopods) and live plants. Avoid dusty or resinous substrates.

UVB

Recommended

Essential: a UVB tube for a diurnal species (target UVI of about 2–3, e.g. a 5.0 / 6% tube or T5 depending on the height and the mesh). Place a perch beneath the source. Replace the tube every 6–12 months. Without adequate UVB, there is a high risk of metabolic bone disease.

Water source

Always available

Rarely drinks from a bowl: drinks mainly from the misting droplets on the leaves or via a drip/waterfall system. A small dish of clean water can be added. Preferably low-mineral (soft) water.

Origin

Dactyloidae

Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Texas), in wooded areas and forest edges. An introduced species in several regions (Hawaii, Pacific islands, southern Japan). Not protected: IUCN 'Least Concern', not listed under CITES. Caution: a large part of the trade comes from wild-caught animals (individuals that are often stressed and parasitised).

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore — Small crickets, fruit flies (Drosophila), micro-roaches, small spiders; wax moths occasionally.

Live prey of appropriate size (smaller than the width of the head), dusted with calcium (with vitamin D3 if UVB is low) and multivitamins on a regular schedule. Insects well fed before feeding out (gut-loading). Adults fed every 1–2 days, juveniles daily.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 1–1 eggs/young. Continuous laying during the season: 1 egg buried in a moist substrate every 1 to 2 weeks. Incubation of about 28 to 45 days at 26–28 °C. Increase the calcium intake of breeding females (heightened risk of egg retention/dystocia).

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (calcium and/or UVB deficiency)
Dehydration (insufficient misting)
Egg retention (dystocia) in females
Internal parasites, especially in wild-caught individuals
Stomatitis (mouth rot) and chronic stress (persistent brown coloration, weight loss)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes for Green Anole.

Axanthic / Blue Phase blue anoleRec
Xanthic / Yellow PhaseRec

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Green Anole × Green Anole

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the green anole.

How big does an adult Green Anole get?▾

An adult Green Anole typically measures 12–20 cm (total length, tail included (the tail makes up more than half). marked dimorphism: males up to about 18–20 cm, females smaller (about 12–15 cm). slender body.).

What temperature and humidity does a Green Anole need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 30–32 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Green Anole eat?▾

Insectivore: Small crickets, fruit flies (Drosophila), micro-roaches, small spiders; wax moths occasionally..

Is the Green Anole a good reptile for beginners?▾

Beginner + level. Lively, fast and skittish; not a species to be handled (stress, risk of caudal autotomy/tail loss). Males are territorial and display with their pink/red throat fan (dewlap) and head-bobbing. Group keeping is possible (1 male with several females); never house two males together. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 3–6 yrs.

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