If you are looking for a beginner lizard, take a good look at the green anole. This brightly colored lizard is easy to feed and care for. The green anole is a member of the iguana family, and shares some common features with the green iguana. And I’m not just talking about color!
Green anoles reach approximately eight inches in length when full grown. They are generally a bright green color, but may be darker or brownish depending on mood and surroundings. Females are generally smaller than males, reaching approximately five inches in length when fully grown. Males have a pink dewlap that they will occasionally inflate to attract females or steer others away from their territory. Both sexes have long, slender tails and sticky feet that aid in climbing.
A native of the southeastern United States, the green anole is happiest at temperatures in the low eighties (Fahrenheit) during the day and the low to mid seventies at night. Even the easiest of lizards still needs heat and light to survive! Your green anoles will be happiest in a tall terrarium with plenty of branches for climbing. Always provide a hiding spot for those times your anoles need some quiet time.
Feed your green anole small insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms, or earthworms. Some anoles will drink from a bowl of water, but most won’t. Provide water by daily misting instead.
One disadvantage of the green anole as a pet is that they generally don’t like to be handled. However, these lizards make up for their antisocial habits by being very entertaining in their enclosure. Green anoles have sticky feet that allow them to climb glass walls and cling to plant leaves. You’ll find that green anoles are active, jumpy, and very acrobatic. You may see them running and jumping around for no apparent reason.
If you aren’t bothered by not handling your pet, you will find green anoles to be a very entertaining lizard to keep!