Q&A for How to Care for Green Anole Lizards

Male green anoles are generally larger than the females and have bigger heads, and they tend to display a red dewlap and do “push-ups” when threatened, especially by another male. Some males also have a crest on their back, while females might have a distinct line or stripe running down the middle of their back. Males have two large, bulging scales on their underside, near the base of the tail, which are not present in females.

Yes, anoles are aggressive and can seriously harm or kill each other if you’re not careful. To prevent this kind of aggression, keep anoles separate or house a single male with several females. Don’t try to keep multiple males in the same tank or cage.

Anoles are cold-blooded, so they will need some kind of heat source. A heat lamp is one of the best options, but you can also use a heating pad under the cage or install an infrared heating panel.

Just leave it there until he or she lets go. If not, you might harm the lizard's jaws.

Not as its main diet. If it will take some, it can be a lovely supplement, but anoles are carnivorous by nature and require meat proteins from insects.

Slowly, walk up to it, put a jar or a container with a cover in front of the lizard, tap it gently on the tail, and then it will run into the jar or container. Close the jar or container, and then put the lizard back into its tank.

No, they only eat some fruits (peach, banana) and live crickets.

Not very painful. If it bites your finger, it will only feel like a small pinch. However, it is a good idea to wash the bite area with soap and warm water after being bitten. You can also use an antiseptic, and see a doctor if you notice anything wrong with the bitten area.

You can try hand feeding it and rub the cricket around its snout carefully, so the anole can feel it.

Green Anoles often change color to adapt to their surroundings. If your Anole looks brown, he may just be blending in with his surroundings, which is normal. Alternatively, they sometimes turn brown to absorb heat; your enclosure may be too cold.

Green anoles need about 70 degrees during the day and it shouldn't drop below 60 degrees at night.(Fahrenheit).

Well, that depends on your particular lizard. Anoles lay their eggs in clutches over a period of time. In the first clutch, there is one egg, rarely two. Throughout the breeding season (April to September) the anole will lay about 12 eggs, but the last one or two are usually infertile.

Yes, sometimes an anole will turn red when too hot. And a lizard challenges its owner sometimes too.

A suitable lizard size for your anole would be small to medium. Large crickets can overpower, bite and even eat/kill your lizard.

Yes, the average temperature of the tank should be 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking area should be about 85-95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Males often stretch out their dewlap because they are either trying to attract a female anole or defending its territory from another male saying "hey this is my territory, you better stay away!". And why do they bob their heads? Because the male is trying to show off, he thinks he is attractive!

Your lizard's growth could be stunted if it's living space is too small. It could also become stressed or ill, particularly if you're housing many lizards together.

If it usually doesn't have wrinkles on its nose, then you should be concerned. Taking it to the vet would be a good idea.

Green anoles because most brown anoles like the Cuban brown are very fierce and will bite you and it will hurt.

Anoles eat small insects like ants and crickets. Though you could catch them on your own outside, it can be difficult to make sure they haven't been contaminated with pesticides. As an easy alternative, you can purchase ants or crickets from the pet store.

Just use soap and water or vinegar and warm water -- or use a reptile friendly cleaner.

The crickets should be small enough that your anole can easily eat them.

Your lizard might get sick. If it does, make sure you take it to the veterinarian. If too sick, your lizard might die.

Try putting him in a cage with a blanket, and try hand feeding it some food. You can bring him to a vet or a pet store.

If it has a dewlap under its chin, it's a male, and a male is usually a little bigger than the female. The female is about 3-5 inches, while the male is 6-8 inches.

Yes, go to your pet store and ask for reptile basking lights. Make sure you get the right amount of wattage and get both night and day light bulbs.

It's probably an early sign of shedding. If it persists, you may want to find a vet that specializes in reptiles.

Each individual lizard will be different, but in general, they should be quite active. They will have periods where they are more relaxed and slow though, particularly in winter.

That is completely normal for anoles and all sorts of lizards. They shed; don't be worried!

If you're holding it, it's probably getting warm and sleepy because your hand is warm. If it does this at all times, it may need more food.