Growing to a total length of 18-20cm from snout to tip of tail, the Brown Anole is a small active species. They enjoy basking on branches and feeding on small insects.
| Origin | America and the Caribbean |
|---|---|
| Environment | Shrubland, Woodland and Urban Areas |
| Adult Size | 5-8inches |
| Suitability | Beginner |
| Lifespan | 8 Years + |
| Temperament | Docile but Skittish |
Brown Anoles are fast little lizards, quickly jumping through vegetation if disturbed. They are a small species growing to an adult length of 13-20cm (5-8”) from snout to tip of tail. The males are generally slightly bigger than the females with brighter and larger dewlaps. It is said that females have a diamond patterning on their backs, this is not present on males.
In America they are known as “American Chameleons”. They are not Chameleons at all, but have been named this due to their ability to change colour. They range in different shades of browns from a pale grey/brown to an almost black/brown. They change their colour depending on their mood. If they are cold, ill or stressed, you will find they will be darker than normal.
The Brown Anole can be found throughout southern United States, Central American and the Caribbean. They are not native to these areas, but were introduced yeas ago. They are commonly found basking on walls, benches, trees and low shrubs.
Brown Anoles should be kept in a tall vivarium, as they prefer height to floor space. Ideally one male and four females should be kept in a minimum vivarium measuring 90x60x30cm (36x24x12”). Due to the territorial nature of the males, if you do have more than one male, it is best to separate them or provide a larger enclosure. If you provide plenty of plants, the males should establish their own territory within the enclosure.
If housing five Brown Anoles, provide at least two basking spots to prevent any fighting. Maintain the temperature to 23-30C (74-86F) during the day, this should drop no lower than 20C (68F) at night. The use of a thermostat must be used to prevent the enclosure from becoming too cold or over heated. Green Anoles need the use of a 5% UV light, this helps to absorb calcium into their diet for bone and egg development.
For a substrate on the floor, we recommend the Eco Earth bricks as this helps keep humidity levels up. We then place a layer of leaf litter or orchid bark over the top to make the enclosure look more realistic. Artificial plants can be used, but if your enclosure allows it, the use of living plants makes it more rewarding. Spray the vegetation each day to allow the Anoles to drink as they will rarely drink from s bowl. This spraying will also help keep the humidity levels in the range of 60-70%.
The Brown Anole will eat several small insects per day. Feed your Anoles on crickets, small locusts, wax worms, mini mealworms, flies and other insects they would normally find in the wild like small spiders and butterflies. The food should be dusted with a calcium/vitamin supplement at least twice a week.
Both species of Brown and Green Anoles can be kept together. They can also be kept with other American species such as Green and Grey Tree Frogs to make a communal enclosure.
We will do our very best to provide sexed animals, however we cannot guarantee this service.
