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Brown anole

The brown anole, Anolis sagrei, is a small arboreal lizard native to Cuba and the Bahamas, now established across Florida and much of the Gulf coast, where it has displaced the native green anole from lower perches.

Males display a bright orange-red dewlap and bob vigorously to defend territory.

Adults reach 12 to 20 centimetres including a long tail, and live four to eight years. They are fast, active and constantly in motion, and they are display animals rather than handling animals — they stress badly when held and drop their tails readily. Kept properly in a planted enclosure they are absorbing to watch.

Origin
Cuba and the Bahamas; invasive across the south-eastern US
Adult size
12–20 cm including tail
Lifespan
4–8 years
Basking temperature
30–32°C, ambient 24–28°C
UVB
Required
Temperament
Fast and territorial; watch rather than handle

2 brown anole photos, newest first

Brown anole feed
  • Saffron VII, a brown anole

    Saffron VII

    Saffron VII raised the baton and the orchestra has not turned up. Behind her, the carrot delivery has gone very wrong.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Saffron VII, a brown anole

    Saffron VII

    The face Saffron VII makes when the walk ends.

    GentleFinch · 2 weeks ago

Living with a brown anole

Do not handle them. Anoles are small, quick and easily stressed, they drop their tails when grasped, and there is nothing to be gained. Set up a tall planted enclosure and watch instead.

UVB is required, along with a basking spot around 30–32°C and a cooler planted area.

They often will not drink from a standing bowl, taking water from droplets on leaves instead, so mist daily. That misting also supplies the humidity they need.

House one male only. Two males will fight continuously, and the loser stops eating.

They are frequently sold very cheaply as wild-caught animals or as feeders, and those arrive stressed and parasitised. Ask about origin, and expect to have to.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual reptiles vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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