The anole makes a good beginner reptile. Anoles are small and common lizards that can be found throughout the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and various other regions of the Western world. A large majority of them sport a green coloration, including the only species native to North America, the aptly named Green anole, although the green anole can change its color based on its mood and surroundings. The knight, green, bark, and Cuban brown anoles can all be found in the United States, primarily in Florida. Anoles are an exorbitantly diverse and plentiful group of lizards.
Keeping Anoles as Pets (Anoles for Sale, Buy an Anole)
Anoles are attractive little lizards. Males have a colorful dewlap (fold of skin under the chin/neck), which they flash during territorial and courtship displays. Females of some species also have dewlaps although they are generally smaller and not displayed as often. They can drop their long tail if grabbed by the tail, a defense against predators in the wild but which they will not hesitate to use if held by the tail. The tail will usually regenerate but will not look the same as the original did. They are fairly skittish and shy but with consistent and gentle handling will become somewhat tame. An exception is the Cuban anole which is a more aggressive species.
Anoles can be kept singly or in small groups. Males are territorial and may display and fight with one another, so a group is best composed of females with no more than one male. A good sized aquarium with a tight fitting screen top makes the best home; an absolute minimum 10 gallon aquarium for 1-2, but larger is better and necessary for groups of 3 or more. The preferred substrates include soil (without perlite), peat moss, or orchid bark. Essentially, a semi tropical environment should be created (not rain forest) with daytime temperatures of 75-80 F and a humidity of 70% Several plants should be provided (potted will make maintenance easier) and branches for basking are essential. Anoles do not lap water from a dish as a rule, so their cages/plants should be misted twice daily and the anoles will get their fluids by licking droplets off leaves. For diet, live crickets (gut loaded and supplemented with vitamin/mineral mix) and sometimes meal worms are normally fed, and wild caught insects can be offered too if confident that they are pesticide free.
The green anole is one of the most commonly available lizards in the pet trade, and makes a good beginner reptile. They are sometimes called American chameleons, although they are not true chameleons. They can, however, change their color from brown through a bright emerald green. There are several species of anole, the most common pet species being the green anole (Anolis carolinensis), native to the southeastern U.S. and the Caribbean. Cuban (Knight) and brown anoles can also be found fairly readily as pets.
Green Anoles as Pets
Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) are also sometimes called American chameleons, although they are not true chameleons. They can do a color change from green to brown, especially when stressed. The Green Anoles life span averages around 4 years, although they can live longer (up to 8 or more years if well cared for). Adults reach a length of around 8 inches. Males are larger than females and have a large dewlap (flap of skin) on the throat that is used in behavioral displays. Green Anoles are reasonably easy to care for if you can set up a proper tank. Buy a Green Anole.
Cuban Anoles as Pets
Bark Anoles as Pets
Blue Anoles as Pets
Brown Anoles as Pets
Known scientifically as Anolis sagrei, the brown anole is also referred to as both the Cuban and Bahaman anole. Brown anoles can live 5 to 8 years. Like all anoles, it is now considered a member of the rather newly established family, the Polychrotidae. (Previously, they were in the Iguanidae). The brown anole is an insectivorous lizard that will climb the plants and branches you provide in its tank. It is active by day and likes to bask in the sun. And most have noticeably expanded toepads that aid them in climbing.
Food - Feeding Anoles as Pets
Anoles are basically carnivorous and they're great hunters. Watching them stalk a fly or beetle makes it almost easy to imagine what the dinosaurs must have been like! Anoles, like most other carnivorous reptiles, prefer their food alive and kicking, and even though a particularly large and aggressive individual may try to take on larger prey, it's best to feed them creatures they can easily overpower. The best foods to feed your Anole are fruit flies, small crickets and mealworms. These are all available at your local pet shop, are very inexpensive, and can even be propagated in your own home for future feedings almost indefinitely. During the warm months of spring and summer, you can provide your pets with a little variety by placing a ripe piece of fruit in the enclosure to attract flies and other insects. A moth or two caught on the wing would also be appreciated. Don't house Anoles of great size disparity in the same container, as the larger Anoles will have no compunction against eating their smaller roommates.
