Carolina anole

The Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis), also known as the green anole, is an arboreal lizard found primarily in the southeastern parts of the United States and some Caribbean islands. It was described by Voigt in 1832 and Carolus Linnaeus in 1758 (as Lacerta principalis, fide Duméril and Bibron 1837: 121). Common synonyms include the American anole and red-throated anole. It is sometimes referred to as the American chameleon due to its color-changing abilities; however, it is not a true chameleon.

Description

The Carolina anole can reach a total length of about 22 cm. Females are slightly smaller, about 16 cm). The male has a dewlap–pink or light red in color–that can be extended from the chin as a courtship or territorial display. This dewlap display is often accompanied by head bobbing and "pushups." Green Anoles can have a green or a brown body color, depending on mood, time of day, surroundings, and temperature, with a white underbelly. Males are of solid color across the back, and females have a white stripe along the backbone. Anoles periodically shed their skins. Their eyes have a more vibrant ring of green or brown surrounding them depending on which colour they are.

As a defense mechanism, their tails detach with mild force. The lost tail piece is left twitching as a distraction so the lizard may escape safely. Missing tails will regenerate, but the new tail is usually not as functional, and a lizard with a regenerated tail is usually distinguishable from a lizard with its original tail. Their eyes move independently of one another, as do those of chameleons.

Distribution

This species is native to North America, where it is found mainly in the southeastern parts of the country. Anoles are most abundant on the coastal plain from North Carolina to Florida, and west into central Texas, at least as far as San Antonio. They have also been introduced into Hawaii. The species is also relatively popular as a pet. Unfortunately, this and most other anole species are rarely bred in captivity, so most specimens sold in the pet trade are wild-caught.

Housing Anoles in Captivity

Green anoles are easy to keep in captivity provided the keeper is willing to obtain the necessary equipment the anoles need to survive. One of the most common mistakes first-time anole keepers make is not preparing an appropriate enclosure for their new pets. Because anoles are relativity inexpensive, many people who buy them do not feel inclined to furnish a roomy enclosure for the animals. Anoles often find themselves shoved in tiny plastic cages and even jars that provide little room for the animals to move around or thermoregulate. This leads to the deaths of many anoles each year.

To maintain a pair of Carolina anoles (never house two males together), all that is needed is a 20-gallon or larger aquarium with a screen lid. An incandescent light should be placed over one end of the screen to maintain a temperature gradient inside the enclosure. The area under the incandescent light should stay between 90°F and 95°F, while the area opposite the light should remain around 80°F during the day. Night temperatures can be lower, with 70°F being a good average night temperature for healthy Carolina anoles. Captive anoles may benefit from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light; fluorescent lights designed for reptiles can be used to give anoles exposure to UV light. Any lights used to heat and illuminate an anole terrarium should be operated using a timer to mimic the natural rising and setting of the sun.

Carolina anoles like humidity levels between 55% and 75%, so a substrate of topsoil or organic potting soil works well for these lizards. Any terrarium containing Carolina anoles needs to be misted at least once per day to maintain humidity levels and provide the anoles with drinking water. Climbing branches are essential for these anoles. A good anole terrarium contains sturdy branches running at different angles for the anoles to climb on. Anoles also appreciate live plants in their enclosures. Pothos are an excellent choice for anole terrariums. These hardy plants can be grown in pots, jars of water or soil on the bottom of the terrarium.

Diet

The anole primarily feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. They may also eat pollen and nectar.

To feed captive anoles, offer crickets, waxworms, mealworms, silkworms and lab-raised flies. All insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with a calcium/D3 supplement before being offered to the anoles. Anole keepers should be careful not to offer insects that are too large for the anole to swallow. A good rule of thumb is that any insect half the size of the anole's head or larger is probably too large. If the anole can't snap it up in one bite, too large! Besides insects, captive anoles also enjoy a weekly treat of fruit baby food offered in a shallow dish.

Behavior

The males are very territorial and will fight other males to defend territory. The fights may look violent but usually neither male is harmed. During these fights they will ignore their surroundings, including any humans or other animals.

External links

Anoles | Fauna of the United States | Wildlife of the Caribbean