These animals are found in many areas of the United States especially southern areas. These are small lizards which grow between 15 to 20cm (6 and 8 inches) in length.
DIET
Anoles are mainly insectivorous animals. Foods eaten consist of arthropods, smaller lizards, mealworms, wax worms, black field crickets, locusts, brown crickets, earthworms, pink mice and some sweet fruit. All foods should be dusted with a good quality calcium supplement prior to feeding.
REQUIREMENTS
Heat Source:- This should be a guarded reflector spot bulb (either red, green or blue) or a ceramic or tubular heater. Heat mats may also be used as an extra source of heat, but they are not essential. UV Light Source:- Require a UVB Reptisun 5.0 light. This should be left on for 8 to 12 hours a day and replaced every 12 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. This will create a day and night time effect as well as give your green anole sufficient levels of UV. Housing:- This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with glass frontage and adequate ventilation. A vivarium measuring 60cm by 45cm by 45cm (24 inches in length by 18 inches deep by 18 inches high) is sufficient for a small colony of anoles (3 or 4). However, males are notoriously aggressive and should not be kept with other males. Hatchlings should be kept in a smaller container which can be housed in their future vivarium. Thermostat:- An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures of the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold. Wire Mesh Guards:- These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns. Thermometers:- One should be placed at each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the enclosure. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are often inaccurate. Hides:- These are essential to prevent stress and allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
WATER
These animals in particular do not require great amounts of water, spraying on a daily basis is often sufficient. However, it may be wise to supply a shallow bowl of water to enable the animal to use it when needed. Alternatively a drip watering system can also be set up.
TEMPERATURES
A basking area of 30C (86°F) should be provided at one end of the vivarium. A background temperature ranging from 23 to 26C (75°F to 78°F) is also required.
HUMIDITY
Green anoles arise from dry, hot areas of south America and therefore require medium levels of humidity, usually around 50 – 60%.
LONGEVITY
If kept under the correct conditions and given the correct diet green anoles can live for 3 – 5 years with some exceeding this.
SUBSTRATE
This can be anything from newspaper, brown paper or even astro turf. Whatever you use remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease.
SALMONELLA
Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal.
