Green Anole Caresheet (Anolis carolinensis)

Author: Matt Reinbold

Species

Anolis carolinensis (green), Anolis sagrei (brown)

Subspecies

A. sagrei sagrei (Cuban brown), A. sagrei ordinatus (Bahaman brown)

Common Name

green anole, brown anole

Other Names

"American chameleon" (green)

Green Anole Home Range

Across southeastern U.S. from Texas to N. Carolina.

Brown Anole Home Range

Cuba and the Bahamas. Introduced to parts of Florida and Texas.

Habitat

Warm, sub-tropical forests

Lifestyle

Sub-arboreal to arboreal

Activity

Diurnal

Social Behavior

Non aggressive towards others of the same species and/or sex.

Males

Anti-social

Females

Neutral/social

Handling

Not a "hands on" reptile. This reptile is best left unhandled.

Diet

Insectivorous

Size

5-8 in/ 12.5-20 cm STL(snout-tail lenth)

Lifespan

7-10 years

Male Sexing Charecteristics

Larger head, larger pores, larger dewlap, hemipenal bulge, more aggressive

Female Sexing Charecteristics

Smaller size, small or absent dewlap

Day Gradient Temperatures

75-85 F/ 24-29 C

Night Gradient Temperatures

65-75 F/ 18-24 C

Basking Temperatures

85-90 F/ 29-32 C

Humidity

60-80%

Lighting

UVB required (Reptisun 5.0 or 7.0)

Day-time Heating Equipment

House bulb or spot bulb in a dome reflector clamp lamp.

Night-time Heating Equipment

(heat only if necessary) under tank heater, ceramic heat emitter, or infrared nocturnal bulb (preferrably the bulb or CHE).

Photoperiod

12-14 hours

Diet - Staple

crickets or silkworms

Diet - Extras

mealworms, wax worms, cockroaches, etc.

Calcium

Phosphorus-free calcium supplement, 2-3 times weekly.

Vitamin/mineral

Vitamin A: D: E ratio of approximately 100:10:1, 1-2 times weekly .

Water

Mist cage at east once daily and provide a shallow water dish. Using a dripper is optional, but a good idea. Use dechlorinated water only.

Enclosure Size

Minimum of 10 gallons for 1 anole (12" x 10" x 20" / 30 x 25 x 50 cm)

Enclosure Shape

Preferably vertical

Enclosure Top

Screen, spaces at least 1/8th in/ 3/10ths cm wide.

Enclosure Arrangement

Provide places to bask, climb, and hide.

Natural Substrate

Bark or coconut mulch, pure top soil, peat mulch, or mix of some or all of these.

Synthetic Substrate

Reptile carpet, paper towels, tile, linoleum.

Décor

Live or fake plants, branches, logs, vines, etc.

Other Equipment

Thermometers, humidity gauges, automatic light timer, clean spray bottle.