GREEN ANOLE
Anolis carolinensis
Origin: South-eastern United States from southern Virginia to eastern Texas, and the Bahamas
Family: Polychrotidae


This medium sized lizard can achieve a total length of 13-20cm. This lizard has a long wedge-shaped head, slender body and a long slender tail. Toes possess large pads making this an agile climber. Colouration is green, but can quickly change to shades of brown. The males have a large red/pink throat fan which can be full extended during courtship or battle. This is a very visual lizard and during courtship, defending territory, and to signal to rivals head bobbing, body push-up, open-mouth displays, and flashing of the throat fan can be seen.In its native North America this lizard can be found in a varied environment, from swamps to gardens. It is seen in low level vegetation in bushes and trees throughout its range, often close to human occupancy.
In captivity the green anole will do well if given a natural environment with plenty of climbing branches and foliage, this species mixes well with other North American species like green tree frogs, grey tree frogs, and maybe rough green snakes.

Temperature ranges should be between 75-85, as with most reptiles a slight night drop should be achieved. This species will bask so a lamp and dimmer stat would suit well, UV light should also be used.

Food can consist of all suitably sized commercially produced live foods, and hedge sweeping, remember to only collect from areas you are sure pesticides have not been used. A small amount of nectar may also be taken.

After an impressive display by the male, and in some cases a chase the male pins the female down and coupling takes place lasts a few minuets at most. The gestation period is about two week and during summer months the female will lay one, or two eggs every two weeks. The eggs hatch into miniatures of the adults.

Overall this lizard can make a wonderful addition to a “community” vivarium bringing colour and movement, although making a good study species non-essential handling is not recommended, as it can drop its tail. Captive anoles usually live to two years.