Meet the animal
Anolis carolinensis comes from the south-eastern USA and can change between green and brown. It is not a true chameleon. Males commonly show a pink-red throat fan, but colour alone is not a reliable sex or health test. Its long tail is easily injured.
Before you choose one
Plan tall furnished housing, small cultured insects, daily water care and replacement lighting. Keep one animal to avoid territorial conflict and breeding pressure. Tiny juveniles need finer security and prey than an adult equipment plan supplies.
Set up its home
The proposed adult layout is 60 × 60 × 90 cm, with climbing routes, varied perches, foliage and shaded shelter. Secure plants and branches against jumping, and check gaps against the animal’s size. Prevent access to hot fittings and screen positions too close to lamps.
Temperature and safe heating
The keeper guide proposes a basking surface around 32°C, cooler air around 21–25°C and nights within roughly 18–24°C. Have age-specific conditions reviewed. Control heat and measure air and surfaces separately; avoid extra uncontrolled window sun.
Daylight, shade and UV
Provide bright daytime lighting and darkness overnight. Keeper guidance proposes UVI 3–4 with full shade. Measure at reachable back height through fitted screens and follow manufacturer clearance. Plant growth must not create new routes too close to a lamp.
Water, moisture and airflow
A 60–70% humidity cycle follows keeper guidance, rising after misting as leaves later dry. Supply clean drinking droplets and an accessible water source. Keep airflow: continuously wet surfaces and stagnant air do not replace drinking access.
Food and nutrition
Offer varied small gut-loaded insects with coordinated calcium and vitamins. Juveniles usually need frequent small meals; adults may start with several measured meals weekly according to condition. Check that foliage does not block feeding access and remove leftover prey.
Behaviour and handling
Expect daytime climbing and visual displays. Observe through the enclosure rather than grabbing the animal; chasing can cause injury or tail loss. Use a guided secure-container transfer when needed. Persistent pacing or retreat calls for enclosure checks, not more handling.
Health and life stages
Poor feeding, weak grip, jaw or limb changes, retained skin, burns or respiratory signs need a reptile vet. Small animals can decline quickly. Record concerns and take climate, food and supplement records to the appointment.
Buying and keeping records
Choose documented captive-bred A. carolinensis with established feeding records. Retain identification and origin details and check current movement requirements. Low purchase price does not reduce the care or quarantine commitment.
Your care routine
Before arrival, test secure climbing, droplets, shade and measured conditions. Each day, inspect the anole, food and water. Remove waste and check plant growth, vents and lamp access. Leave prey-size and supplement instructions for holiday care.
YOUR CHECKLIST
0 of 7 ticked
Green anole — Anolis carolinensis
Care hub: wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/green-anole/
Ticks are kept only while this page is open. Print or download a copy before leaving. Completing the checklist does not establish that an animal is well or an installation is safe.
Use these reminders alongside the full guide. Adjust feeding and maintenance to your animal’s condition and measured enclosure conditions.
Sources
- Green anole care sheet (ReptiFiles)
- Reptile management and husbandry (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- UV-Tool: selecting appropriate UV lighting for reptiles and amphibians (2016) (Baines and colleagues, Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research)
- UK species livestock listing (dated observation, not stock guarantee) (Repxotics)
- CITES import and export guidance (APHA / GOV.UK)
- Guidance on section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (GOV.UK / Defra)
- Import of pet invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles: IIN (GOV.UK / APHA and Defra)
Equipment checklist
Equipment examples for Green anole, grouped by care need. Read the checks before choosing. Shop links are Amazon affiliate links. Items without a verified Amazon match have no shop link.
Plan the whole setup: These examples cover only part of the setup. Meet every care need and test the finished enclosure before arrival. Suitable equipment you already own may meet the need; optional tools are labelled.
Check each item for your animal’s size and life stage, safe access, compatible controls and measured conditions. The list does not certify an installation.
Adult enclosure, substrate and shelter
Read the care guidance for this need
Also plan for: Add the substrate, hides, cover and secure supports described in the care guide. The enclosure alone does not provide them.
Temperature and safe heating
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model: PT2472
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Fit check: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Model: HTDD
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Fit check: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model: RT-1
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Fit check: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Lighting, shade and UV
Read the care guidance for this need
Existing lighting may already provide a suitable day-night cycle. If you need extra lighting, use a switch or timer confirmed as compatible with its exact load, including any UVB ballast.
Arcadia ProT5 Forest 6% UV-B Kit 24 W
Model: RARTP24F
A UVB fitting to assess against the individual exposure plan, with complete shade available.
Fit check: RARTP24F is a 24 W, 570 mm UK 220–240 V fitting. Keep it away from water and spray; IP20 is not waterproof. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum animal clearance of 250 mm. This is a safety limit, not a recommended mounting height or UVI target. Check the complete fitting length, guards and reachable animal positions. Measure UV Index through the installed screen at each reachable height, with full shade available. Use a separately verified lighting circuit, never a heater’s dimming outlet.
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Model: 6.5R
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Fit check: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Water, humidity and ventilation
Read the care guidance for this need
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model: PT2477
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Fit check: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Also plan for: Provide the drinking water, damp retreats or safe water area described in the care guide. A sprayer and humidity gauge cannot provide these on their own.
Feeding and nutrition
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Bamboo Tweezers Small 28 cm
Model: PT2076
Optional food-placement or maintenance tool
Places or removes food and spoiled leftovers while keeping fingers away from feeding responses.
Fit check: Use for placing food or removing leftovers, never for gripping the animal, forcing a bite or striking its mouth. Keep tools separate between quarantine groups. Choose food and supplements separately for the species.
Also plan for: Offer varied small gut-loaded insects with coordinated calcium and vitamins.
Equipment notes: Temperature and safe heating
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model PT2472 · Remote air probe and minimum/maximum memory; place away from direct lamp radiation. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Check before choosing: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Model HTDD · 600 W maximum, no minimum load; setting range 0–50°C. Socket II is timed; this model does not actively cool. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Check before choosing: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model RT-1 · Measures surfaces, not air. Check distance/spot size and reflective-surface limitations. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Check before choosing: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Equipment notes: Daylight, shade and UV
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Arcadia ProT5 Forest 6% UV-B Kit 24 W
Model RARTP24F · 570 mm fixture; dry installation. Manufacturer minimum animal clearance 250 mm; actual UVI depends on installation. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
A UVB fitting to assess against the individual exposure plan, with complete shade available.
Check before choosing: RARTP24F is a 24 W, 570 mm UK 220–240 V fitting. Keep it away from water and spray; IP20 is not waterproof. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum animal clearance of 250 mm. This is a safety limit, not a recommended mounting height or UVI target. Check the complete fitting length, guards and reachable animal positions. Measure UV Index through the installed screen at each reachable height, with full shade available. Use a separately verified lighting circuit, never a heater’s dimming outlet.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Model 6.5R · UV Index meter; take readings at accessible back height with screen and guards installed. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Check before choosing: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Equipment notes: Water, moisture and airflow
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model PT2477 · Remote humidity probe; readings describe air at the probe, not substrate moisture. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Check before choosing: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Equipment notes: Food and nutrition
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Bamboo Tweezers Small 28 cm
Optional food-placement or maintenance tool
Model PT2076 · For placing/removing food, not gripping animals; separate tools between quarantine groups. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Places or removes food and spoiled leftovers while keeping fingers away from feeding responses.
Check before choosing: Use for placing food or removing leftovers, never for gripping the animal, forcing a bite or striking its mouth. Keep tools separate between quarantine groups. Choose food and supplements separately for the species.