Anoles come from the sub-tropical regions of the U.S.
and the Caribbean, so their environmental needs must be
maintained according to their natural habitat. Sunlight or a reasonable
substitute is important. Most pet shops sell inexpensive lights that mimic the
sun’s all-important UV rays, as well as supplying necessary heat. Speaking of
heat, it’s important that the temperature in your Anole’s enclosure stay between
75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
At night you can allow it to cool down to 65 or
70 degrees Fahrenheit, but not much cooler or your pets will suffer and get
sick. Anoles also appreciate humidity and actually need it to survive. Anoles
get most of their water by lapping it up from leaves, rocks, or even the sides
of their containers. Most Anoles would have absolutely no idea what to do with
a pan or bowl of water! Anoles also need humidity to help with the occasional
shedding of their skin. As Anoles grow, they actually outgrow their topmost
layer of skin.
They must molt out of this skin in order to continue the growth
process and stay healthy. The skin may come off in patches or in an almost
complete single piece that resembles the entire Anole. Sometimes the Anole will
even eat its own shed skin! This is entirely natural and will not harm your pet
in any way. The best way to keep your Anole’s enclosure humid is with a light
misting every morning. Remember, you and your Anole prefer the conditions to be
humid but not wet. A consistently wet, enclosed environment will cause problems
for your pet like fungus and skin ailments.
Food
Anoles are basically carnivorous and they’re great hunters. Watching them
stalk a fly or beetle makes it almost easy to imagine what the dinosaurs must
have been like! Anoles, like most other carnivorous reptiles, prefer their food
alive and kicking, and even though a particularly large and aggressive
individual may try to take on larger prey, it’s best to feed them creatures they
can easily overpower.
The best foods to feed your Anole are fruit flies, small
crickets and mealworms. These are all available at your local pet shop, are
very inexpensive, and can even be propagated in your own home for future
feedings almost indefinitely. During the warm months of spring and summer, you
can provide your pets with a little variety by placing a ripe piece of fruit in
the enclosure to attract flies and other insects.
A moth or two caught on the
wing would also be appreciated. Don’t house Anoles of great size disparity in
the same container, as the larger Anoles will have no compunction against
eating their smaller roommates.