Anolis genus in a terrarium – care, diet, and ecological groups

Anolis lizards have been gaining popularity among breeders and hobbyists for years, mainly due to their small size, beautiful coloration, and incredibly interesting behaviors that can be observed in terrarium environments. Equally important is the fact that for most medium and small anolis species, it’s relatively easy to provide a suitably sized terrarium at home. If you’re thinking about starting your adventure with lizards from the Anolis genus, I have a set of useful information for you.

Habitat

Lizards from the Anolis genus inhabit the Americas, with the majority of species found in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean Islands.

Anolis as a research subject

Anolis lizards belong to the family Dactyloidae. The genus Anolis includes more than 420 species, with new ones still being described. This immense species diversity has made anolis lizards a subject of scientific research for many years. Scientists continue to analyze their behavior, adaptations, and the complex paths of their evolution.

Thanks to this research, we’re gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms driving the evolution of these species. We’re witnessing the emergence of new species and the consolidation of traits necessary for survival in a changing world. A great deal of research focuses on island species, which often show patterns analogous to those observed in other isolated populations, such as those in the Galápagos Islands or in Lakes Malawi and Tanganyika.

Ecological groups of anolis

Several ecological groups have evolved among anolis, each occupying different ecological niches. This is particularly important for us as breeders, and I’ll return to this point later in the article.

• Canopy-dwelling species – These are typically large anolis species, such as Anolis equestris and Anolis garmani. They often prey on large insects and smaller species of anolis, geckos, other lizards, and even small birds.
• Species inhabiting the trunks of smaller trees – Usually medium-sized anolis whose diet consists mainly of various insects. Examples include Anolis marmoratus and Anolis roquet.

• Species inhabiting the trunks of large trees – Adapted in color and body structure to life on tree bark, their diet is often rich in ubiquitous ants. A good example is Anolis distichus.

• Species inhabiting larger shrubs – Often equipped with a prehensile tail similar to that of chameleons. One such species is Anolis valencienni.
• Species inhabiting low shrubs, rocks, and man-made structures such as walls or fences – A well-known example is Anolis sagrei.

• Species that inhabit typically rocky environments – For example, Anolis bartschi.
• Species closely associated with aquatic environments – Found near watercourses, such as Anolis vermiculatus.
• Species inhabiting tall grasses and smaller shrubs – Known as grass anolis, they often have alternating light and dark longitudinal stripes in their coloration; for example, Anolis olssoni.

Knowing which ecological group your chosen species belongs to is a key indicator of how to design a suitable terrarium.

Island species – a good choice for beginners

Home terrariums are most commonly inhabited by species from the Caribbean Islands, Central America, and the southern United States. This is due to several factors. Firstly, these species are more readily available and therefore more commonly kept in home terrariums. Additionally, breeding island species—which constitute the vast majority—is less complicated than breeding South American anolis. This is mainly due to the high adaptability of island species, which helps them tolerate the occasional mistakes made by less experienced keepers.

Most species in this group require daytime temperatures of around 26–28°C, with heat islands reaching about 35–40°C. At night, the temperature should drop to 18–22°C, so in most cases, there is no need to heat the terrarium at night.

Terrarium size for anolis

For small and medium-sized anolis species, the minimum terrarium size for a pair is 40 x 40 x 60 cm (height). For larger species, the minimum recommended dimensions are 60 x 60 x 90 cm (height). These are not rigid standards but rather general guidelines, and the size can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. However, tank height is crucial—even for smaller species, it should not be less than 50 cm.

Proper ventilation is just as important. All anolis terrariums should have both bottom and top ventilation. The top should consist of a breathable mesh, which ensures good airflow and allows UVB radiation from overhead lights to penetrate the terrarium.

Use fluorescent bulbs that emit 5–6% UVB radiation. To further illuminate the terrarium, you can use LED spotlights. I personally use cool white LED spots (6000–6500 K) and select the wattage to ensure that the temperature under the heating lamps reaches the required 35–40°C.

Where to place the terrarium

Proper placement of the terrarium is essential. Keep in mind that even species that live in low shrubs often spend most of their time 1–5 meters above the ground.

Anolis are highly reactive to their surroundings, including external stimuli outside the terrarium. Positioning the terrarium higher up helps the lizards feel safer and greatly reduces the stress caused by people moving nearby.

Terrarium decor for anolis

The terrarium should include a back wall decorated to match the ecological group of the species. For example, Anolis sagrei would benefit from a rock imitation, while Anolis distichus would prefer a piece of bark resembling a large tree trunk.

Before building a terrarium for a specific anolis species or subspecies, it is essential to research its natural habitat. Often, different subspecies of the same species inhabit entirely different environments. This is understandable, as environmental factors frequently drive the divergence of species. Anolis roquet is one such example—but more on that another time.

Bioactive terrariums with plenty of live plants work best for all anolis species. Live plants help maintain the proper microclimate and provide necessary shelter for females and young. Here, you have great room for creativity. Just remember to arrange branches in a way that allows the animals clear access to UVB light and heat islands, while keeping part of the terrarium in partial shade.

The terrarium should be misted at least once daily. Keep in mind that many species rarely drink from water bowls. In fact, stagnant water can pose a danger to hatchlings, which may begin to emerge in the terrarium over time.

What do anolis eat?

Anolis diets generally consist of a variety of insects such as crickets, locusts, cockroaches, wax moths, and flour beetle larvae. They can also be fed fruit and fruit-based products, such as Tropical Gecko Cream Fig, Tropical Gecko Cream Apricot and Tropical Cecko Cream Strawberry.

What supplements do anolis need?

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is very important. Female anolis typically lay eggs throughout most of the year, which can be a significant strain without proper nutrition. That’s why I always coat feeder insects in a calcium supplement without added vitamin D3, such as Tropical Vigorept Mineral. Since anolis are diurnal lizards, they synthesize enough vitamin D3 from UVB exposure, making additional supplementation unnecessary.

I use a multivitamin supplement once a week by dusting feeder insects with it. Naturally, I always gut-load the insects beforehand to ensure they’re as nutritious as possible.

In conclusion, breeding anolis is a deeply rewarding passion. With a little effort and by meeting a few essential requirements for this group of lizards, you can enjoy caring for and observing these remarkable animals. Anolis will undoubtedly reward your efforts with their fascinating displays and with a bit of patience, you’re sure to witness the emergence of baby anolis.

Slawomir Mrożkiewicz