Green Anole Care Sheet

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) is one of the most commonly kept pet lizards. They are very easy to provide care for and are excellent for beginner lizard keepers. A full life for a Green Anole will only be about 2 to 4 years. Green Anoles are also commonly referred to as Carolina Anoles, American Anoles, Red-Throated Anoles and American Chameleons.

Learn more about the natural characteristics and behavior of the Green Anole in the Wild.

While you're here, check out these Green Anole Pictures.

What do Green Anoles eat?

Will mainly eat feeder insects: crickets, mealworms, waxworms, butterworms (teboworms), flies, even earthworms. Some will eat small pieces of fruit (banana, oranges, etc.). Mist the enclosure twice a day, as they will drink the mist off the leaves. You can also use a drip system. Some may learn to drink from a shallow dish.

Lighting, Temperature & Humidity

Keep the temperature during the day around 77 degrees F to 86 degrees F. At night, the temperature should be kept around 65 degrees F to 74 degrees F. A broad-spectrum heat bulb, and a fluorescent bulb should suffice for the Green Anole.

Green Anole Habitats

Green Anoles do not need much space, although you do not want to cramp them. A simple 2' x 2' x 2' enclosure should work well, using a glass aquarium with screen top, or full-screen. A course substrate of gravel covered with a mix of peat moss and play sand works well. You should include real plants in the enclosure for them to climb on, as well as a few branches.

Breeding Green Anoles

Your Green Anole will breed in the late spring to early summer months. They will normally lay 2 eggs per clutch, and many clutches throughout the summer months. Make sure to include leaves or some other vegetation on the ground, as Green Anoles will lay the eggs underneath. Allow 60 - 90 days for the eggs to hatch. It is recommended that you remove the babies after they hatch, or before for incubation. In many cases, feeder insects and even the adults will eat the young.