Can they be Cohabilitated?

Green Anoles are wonderful lizards for a shared enclosure, but it's important to house them properly to ensure harmony. The ideal setup is a single male paired with a female, as males can exhibit aggression toward each other. That said, the larger the enclosure, the better—ample space significantly reduces the chances of conflict. In a spacious habitat, you may still observe occasional threat displays like raised dewlaps or brief chasing behaviors, but these are typically short-lived and harmless.

What size do they get? -

The arboreal lizard is a small species, typically measuring 15-20 cm from snout to tail. With their tail making up two-thirds of their total length, they often appear smaller than they truly are.

When will i see them?

They are a diurnal species of anole, meaning they are active and visible throughout the day. You’ll often find them lounging around the enclosure for extended periods, calmly observing their surroundings, giving the impression of a curious and intelligent creature. Beyond their relaxed demeanor, they enjoy roaming the enclosure in search of prime basking spots and are perfectly content basking alongside other anoles. Occasionally, they display bursts of energy, darting around to chase insects or, in some cases, each other. Male anoles, in particular, will extend their dewlap—a flap of skin under their neck—as a striking display of dominance.

Costs to keep

How much will it roughly cost you to keep an individual Green Anole well including the setup and ongoing costs, this does not include unexpected vet bills or the rising cost of products over time.

Used for energy calculation : https://www.sust-it.net/energy-calculator.php

Distribution - These anoles are incredibly common within their range. As shown by the numerous user-submitted sightings on iNaturalist, they are predominantly found along the East Coast of the United States, extending down to the northern edge of Mexico.

Image captured from iNaturalist

Here are some examples of habitats and locations where they are commonly found. The screenshots highlight two specific areas: one in Florida and another in Texas. Both regions are characterized by temperate forests, which provide an ideal environment for their arboreal lifestyle. The images were captured near roadsides in spots where they have been documented on iNaturalist.

Rating (Ease of Care): Fairly Easy - ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Wild-Caught Challenges: ★★ - Due to the prevalence of wild-caught imports, these anoles automatically lose two stars for difficulty. Wild-caught individuals often arrive dehydrated and may carry parasites, making the process of getting them properly established more challenging.

Humidity Requirements: ★ - Maintaining the correct humidity levels is critical. These anoles need a consistently hydrated environment with higher humidity to support proper shedding and overall body function. Many beginners struggle with this aspect, which can unfortunately lead to fatal outcomes.

Setup Requirements:

To get started, you’ll need an arboreal enclosure. In my case, I built one from scratch measuring 75 cm tall, 45 cm wide, and 50 cm deep. The added depth allowed me to create a foam background for the rear wall. This size provides enough space for each of the four occupants to have their own hiding spots, while the height encourages climbing, mimicking their natural environment. Below are some examples of terrariums, along with guidelines on the number of inhabitants they can comfortably house.

Substrate Options and Décor

To maintain optimal humidity levels, it’s essential to use a substrate that retains moisture effectively. The best options are a mix of coco fiber and topsoil or coco fiber and peat. Once your substrate is prepared, we recommend incorporating live plants as part of the décor. These not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also provide enrichment by allowing lizards to climb and explore their environment. Fill the space as much as possible with plants and other climbing structures, as lizards are natural climbers and will make full use of every available inch of their habitat.

Heating and Lighting

Providing a proper heating and lighting setup is essential for these animals to thrive. I personally use the Zoo Med Dual Dome system, which allows flexibility throughout the year. During the summer, I keep a single 25W bulb on, while in the winter, I use both bulbs as needed, depending on the room temperature. Additionally, a 10.0 UVB bulb is a must-have, covering at least two-thirds of the top of the enclosure. In their natural habitat, they are exposed to high levels of UV all year round, with peak UV Index levels reaching 10-11 UVI.

Diet and Nutrition

These diets are relatively simple to manage, but since this species cannot be handled easily, it can be challenging to track their weight. Instead, you’ll need to assess their health by observing the size of their abdomens. They should be fed a variety of insects dusted with calcium carbonate supplements that include Vitamin D3 and Vitamin A, along with other multivitamins. Occasionally, you can offer crested gecko diet as a supplement.

Recommended insects for feeding include:

• Small locusts
• Small crickets
• Drosophila hydei fruit flies (larger variety)
• Mealworms
• Waxworms
• Calci worms
• Crested gecko diet

Feed them every 2-3 days, providing 4-8 locusts or crickets per meal for each individual. Supplement their diet occasionally with fruit flies and crested gecko diet for variety. If you need to be away for a few days, you can leave a dish of mealworms dusted with their usual supplements in the enclosure. While mealworms are not their favorite food due to their lack of movement, they will pick at them once other food sources are depleted.

Crested gecko diet is another excellent option that they enjoy. This sweet treat provides energy and hydration. To make it more effective, prepare it with a watery consistency, as they will consume it for added hydration.

Providing a varied diet is essential for the health of most reptile species, and this one is no exception. A diverse mix of food ensures optimal nutrition and overall well-being.

Misting is crucial for this species, as it helps maintain the required humidity levels. Mist or spray the enclosure daily or every other day to replicate their natural environment. They will actively drink droplets from leaves, so it’s also a good idea to leave a shallow bowl of water at the bottom of the enclosure for times when the droplets evaporate. Alternatively, consider using a USB-powered water pump with a hose to create a small stream or water flow down the decor, offering them a continuous hydration source.

Behaviors:

These lizards are absolutely fascinating to observe. They exhibit a wide range of unique behaviors that are rarely seen in other lizard species. One reason for this is their ability to thrive in groups and even coexist with other calm species, such as long-tailed lizards. Some enthusiasts have also successfully housed them alongside poison dart frogs.

Anoles are incredibly acrobatic and personable. Their independently moving eyes give the impression of heightened intelligence compared to other lizards. They’re incredibly quick and agile, capable of jumping with impressive speed. However, due to their skittish nature, they are not the most handleable lizards — a topic I will delve into later.

I personally keep mine with long-tailed lizards, and I've observed that both species tend to keep to themselves. When I first introduced them, the long-tailed lizards were curious, performing their characteristic “hand waves” as they tried to approach the anoles. After a few attempts, they gave up, and now they coexist peacefully, largely ignoring each other.

One of the anoles' most intriguing behaviors is their ability to change color from green to brown and vice versa. They use this skill to blend into their surroundings. However, they aren’t always perfect at it, occasionally camouflaging themselves against mismatched backgrounds — but it’s still a captivating process to watch.

Male anoles are sexually dimorphic and can display a striking feature called a dewlap — a flap of red or pink skin beneath their chin that extends down their neck. This dewlap is primarily used for communication between anoles, making it a key part of their social interactions.

Handling:

These creatures tend to be quite skittish when it comes to handling, and I strongly advise against it. In most cases, they are likely to panic and try to escape when approached. If handling is absolutely necessary (though still not recommended), it’s best to let them come to you naturally. Simply place your hand near them and wait patiently. They are attracted to the warmth of human skin and will often settle down quickly. However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and observe their behavior—losing one as it scuttles away up a wall can be a frustrating experience!

That being said, they do adjust to human presence fairly quickly, making them ideal pets for tong-feeding or hand-feeding. By using patience and common sense, as outlined above, you can build trust and enjoy a rewarding interaction with your pet. Just remember, minimal handling is always the safest approach.

Day and Night Cycle

In Tampa, one of the regions where Anoles thrive, the day and night cycle varies significantly throughout the year. During the winter months (late October to March), daylight hours decrease to around 11–11.5 hours per day. In contrast, during the summer months (April to September), daylight extends to approximately 12–14 hours at its peak. Replicating this natural light cycle for your animals can greatly enhance their well-being. It helps their bodies synchronize with seasonal changes, promoting natural hormone regulation. Over time, this can strengthen their immune systems and encourage healthy, instinctive behaviors.

Common Health Issues

Unfortunately, most of these lizards are currently wild-caught, which means many of their health problems stem from their time in the wild. Common issues include parasites and the unknown age of the animals. Since their lifespan is typically only 4-5 years, purchasing a wild-caught lizard may mean acquiring one with a significantly shortened life expectancy. Additionally, due to their size and skittish nature, taking these lizards to a veterinarian can be quite challenging.

Humidity Requirements:

Anoles naturally experience varying humidity levels throughout the year. During the summer months, from mid-May to September, they encounter a rainy season where humidity ranges from 70% to 100%.

To replicate this, it’s ideal to maintain humidity levels above 70% during summer for their optimal well-being. Precipitation chances also increase during this period, reaching a peak in July with a 70% chance of rain daily. On average, this means 3 to 5 rainy days per week.

In contrast, winter brings significantly drier conditions. By January, relative humidity can drop as low as 14%. However, from October to March, the average humidity stabilizes around 50%. To mimic these seasonal changes, reducing humidity levels in winter is recommended. This can be achieved by avoiding daily misting. During the winter months, from early November to early May, precipitation levels are lower—around 15-20%. This translates to roughly 1 to 1.5 rainy days per week.

For year-round care, an automatic misting system is highly effective, with adjustments for seasonal variations. In winter, set the misting system for a light spray of 1.5 minutes every 6 to 7 days, supplemented with daily leaf spraying for hydration. During summer, set the system to mist for 30-45 seconds every 12 hours to maintain higher humidity levels.

Cleaning:

Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for every lizard to prevent infections and ensure their well-being. Depending on how their enclosure is set up, regular cleaning is key. A gentle spray from a water bottle can help remove feces from live plant leaves. Consider introducing isopods and springtails to your substrate; these helpful creatures assist in maintaining a natural balance of cleanliness. Additionally, spot-clean larger feces as needed and wash decor periodically to prevent bacteria buildup.

Replace the substrate every three months to avoid the accumulation of harmful toxins. However, if you're using a fully bioactive enclosure, this replacement can be done less frequently. Regular care and attention will ensure your lizard thrives in a clean, healthy environment.

Brumation - During the winter months, there is often a noticeable slowdown. However, I wouldn’t classify this as true brumation; it’s more accurately described as an "overwinter" slowdown.

Availability

Green Anoles are less readily available in the UK compared to the US due to being imported. This means their price is typically around £25 each for wild-caught specimens. Unfortunately, there aren't many breeders for these lizards, as they are relatively inexpensive to purchase. However, it’s a shame that wild-caught individuals are the primary option, as these lizards are truly charismatic. Anoles, in general, have captivating personalities and are often thought of as the acrobatic counterparts to Chameleons.

References- Weather Spark, 

Gallery -

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