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Latin Name: Anolis carolinensis
Native to: Southeastern United States
Maximum Length: 5 - 8 inches
Approximate Life Span: 3 - 6 years
GENERAL INFORMATION
Green Anoles are found from the Carolinas to Florida and across to
Texas. Green Anoles are not always green as the name would have you
think. Their ability to change color is a function of thermoregulation.
When they are cold and trying to heat up they will take on a darker
color. Once warm, Anoles will assume a lighter color. For this reason
Anoles are often called American Chameleons. They are, however, from a
completely different group of lizards than the true old world
chameleons. Anoles are not only great beginning lizard for kids but
also make wonderful companions to a community setup. Anoles will go
well with a variety of other similarly sized animals. A good starting
point might be Long Tailed Grass Lizards, Green Tree Frogs and Grey
Tree Frogs. Choose animals that are of similar size and have the same
forest set up requirements.
ENCLOSURE
Keep in well-ventilated aquarium. A 10
gallon aquarium with a screen top will work fine for up to 5 Green
Anoles. But of course the larger the better. Anoles can be kept alone,
or in groups consisting of 1 male and several females. Males kept
together without adequate space are prone to fighting. Anoles can climb
the glass walls of enclosures, so be sure the screen top is firmly in
place. Include lots of climbing places. Decorate with real plants or
use Zoo Med REPTI FLORA™. A few pieces of cork bark will give the
Anoles a natural hiding place.
SUBSTRATE
Green Anoles can be kept well on slightly
dampened sphagnum moss or Zoo Med REPTI-BARK™. Lightly dampened peat
moss may also be used to simulate the woodland floor.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures should
range between 75 - 82°f. A basking area should be provided with
temperatures between 85 - 90°f. Nighttime temperatures should be
allowed to drop as low as, but not lower than 72°f. The humidity level
should be 50 - 70 %. In dryer climates an airstone may be used in the
water bowl to raise the humidity. These animals will also require a
light misting 2 - 3 times a day.
HEATING
Reptiles need to be able to regulate their
body temperature, so a temperature range must be provided. Use a Zoo
Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER (U.T.H.). Leave it on 24 hours a day.
UTH's take a few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy
heat control, use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with
the U.T.H's. They will also slightly help to increase the air
temperature if needed. Always use at least one thermometer in all
reptile & amphibian enclosures, although two thermometers are
optimal. Place one thermometer on the cooler side, and one on the
warmer side. A Zoo Med DELUXE ANALOG MIN/MAX THERMOMETER works great to
show the high and low temperatures in a 24 hour period.
LIGHTING
The Zoo Med REPTISUN 5.0™ with its high UVB
and UVA output is an excellent choice for lighting. The UVB is helpful
but not essential, and the UVA will help with your new friend's mental
well being. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light
cycle). A plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for
your heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8
- 10 hours of light, 14 - 16 hours of darkness. Reptiles and amphibians
cannot see the red light spectrum, so a red bulb is ideal for nighttime
viewing of your Anoles.
FOOD & WATER
Feed medium size crickets daily. Dust
food lightly with REPTIVITE™ every other feeding. Always feed your
crickets assorted fruits and vegetables or a commercially prepared
cricket diet 12 - 24 hours before feeding the crickets to your pets.
Mist 2 - 3 times a day. Anoles like to drink from leaves, but a shallow
water bowl should also be used. Use a REPTILE DRIP-WATERING SYSTEM
arranged so that the water will drip down the leaves and into the water
bowl.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, or even
kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them
at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase. For further information on reptiles and
amphibians we recommend you read the following magazines REPTILES,
REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN, THE VIVARIUM and REPTILE HOBBYIST. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Green Anoles. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the
care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
