NAME

Brown anole - Anolis sagrei

COLORATION

Anolis sagrei or the brown anole typically have a varied background ranging from light gray to brown even black. They often have irregular patches, spots, chevrons and a series of light colored lines. They have a prominent dewlap, or throat fan, that can be yellow to red in color. This is used in territorial and mating displays. 

Our captive bred sagrei are from a red line of sagrei. These anoles will exhibit a red coloration. The grades of red can vary in the hatchlings from a more robust red to a more dull red.

HOUSING

A single adult animal can be kept in a 12x12x18. We recommend 18x18x24 for pairs or trios. A bioactive setup with live plants is strongly recommended for this species; BioBedding is recommended to maintain live plants, springtails, and isopods. Provide plenty of climbing material in the form of cork bark, branches, or bamboo for this arboreal species.

TEMPERATURE

Keep brown anoles between mid seventies to mid eighties. A basking spot of around 90-95 F is also recommended. Some may bask at higher temperatures, especially the females during breeding season. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer. Night temperatures should not fall below 65 F. Anoles should also be provided with a 5.0 or similar strength UVB light.

HUMIDITY

Keep anoles in a humid but well-ventilated setup, with humidity between 60-70%. Live plants can be added to help stabilize higher humidity as well as provide humid microclimates. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. Mist brown anoles daily to provide dew on enclosure walls and cage items from which they can drink. A water dish can be provided, but is not necessary with regular misting; a water dish will not replace the need to regularly mist the enclosure.

SIZE

Brown anole males can grow up to around 8 inches in total length as adults. Females stay smaller, reaching only about 4-5 inches in total length.

DIET

Brown anoles are insectivores in the wild. In captivity,  hatchlings and juveniles should be offered ⅛-inch crickets or fruit flies until they are large enough to eat ¼-inch crickets. As adults, offer ¼"" crickets or ½” crickets. Waxworms, butterworms, small hornworms, and black fly larvae make excellent treats, but should only be offered occasionally. Feeder insects should be dusted with a calcium and multivitamin supplement.  

SEX

Sexual dimorphism is pronounced with the males reaching a larger size and weight than females. The dewlap is also larger in males and in that of females. Females often have a light colored dorsal line that can appear as a wave, zig zag or diamond pattern, which males usually lack.

BREEDING

Anolis sagrei typically lay a single egg per clutch approximately every 2 weeks during the breeding season. Eggs are laid under decaying vegetation on the ground and hatch within 60-90 days. 

LINKS OF INTEREST

https://www.reptilesmagazine.com/listings/lizard-species/brown-anole/