🧭 Introduction
When choosing a small, active lizard for your first reptile, both the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) and the Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) stand out as top contenders.
But while they look similar at first glance, these two anoles have distinct differences in:
- Appearance
- Behavior
- Habitat preferences
- Ease of care
Let’s break down their key differences to help you decide which is the better fit for your enclosure — and your expectations.
🎨 Appearance
| Feature | Green Anole | Brown Anole |
|---|---|---|
| Base Color | Bright green → brown shiftable | Various shades of brown/gray only |
| Color Change | ✅ Yes (mood, temperature) | ❌ No true color change |
| Dewlap Color | Pink to reddish-pink | Orange to reddish-orange |
| Body Shape | Slimmer build, longer snout | Stockier body, shorter snout |
| Size | 5–8 inches | 5–7 inches |
🧠 Green Anoles can change between bright green and dark brown, while Brown Anoles stay brown year-round.
🧠 Behavior & Personality
| Behavior Trait | Green Anole | Brown Anole |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Level | Moderate to high | High — constantly exploring |
| Handling Tolerance | Low — stress-prone | Slightly more tolerant |
| Climbing vs Ground | Arboreal (vertical) | Semi-arboreal, prefers lower areas |
| Aggression (males) | Territorial | More aggressive in groups |
🌿 Habitat Preferences
Both species can live in similar tanks, but setup emphasis differs.
| Habitat Feature | Green Anole | Brown Anole |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Type | Tall, vertical enclosures | Horizontal or mid-height tanks |
| Humidity Need | Higher (60–70%) | Moderate (50–60%) |
| Temperature Range | Similar (~75–85°F) | Similar |
| Co-housing Risk | Moderate (1 male only) | Higher aggression in males |
⚠️ Never house these two species together, even if tank is large — they’ll compete and possibly fight.
🍽️ Feeding & Care
Both species are insectivorous and require:
- Live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, etc.)
- Calcium + vitamin dusting
- UVB + basking light
- Daily misting for hydration
However, Green Anoles are more sensitive to poor humidity or handling, making them slightly harder for total beginners.
✅ Which Should You Choose?
| You might prefer… | If you want: |
|---|---|
| Green Anole | A colorful, vertical-climbing display pet |
| Brown Anole | A more active, hardy, slightly less shy reptile |
Both species can thrive in well-maintained terrariums and make rewarding pets for observation, not handling.
🧼 Bonus Tip: How to Tell Them Apart in Stores
- Green Anoles = bright green or chocolate brown
- Brown Anoles = patterned brown, may have diamond/stripe patterns
- Check dewlap color and enclosure behavior