How to Identify Female and Male Anoles

How to Identify Female and Male Anoles. Anoles are a popular pet reptile. Their ease of care, small size, and interesting behaviors probably contribute to this. Additionally, they readily breed in captivity. The critical first step to breeding anoles is to properly identify their sex. This presents a few minor challenges, as there are several different anole species in the pet trade. This article will focus on the most common green anole. However, the same general rules apply to other species in the genus such as the brown anole, the Cuban anole, and the crested anole.

Step 1

Check for size. Anoles are sexually dimorphic, meaning the sexes are generally different sizes. In green anoles, mature males usually reach six to eight inches in length. Females generally remain under five inches. If the anoles are not mature, size is often the only way to judge their sex, as the males are usually bigger.

Step 2

Check for a dewlap. A dewlap is a dangling fold of skin on the throats of some lizards. In green anoles, there is a large pink dewlap. In females, the size of the dewlap is either greatly reduced, or totally absent -- and it's never brightly colored.

Step 3

Check for a crest on the head. This applies less to the green anole, and more to other species in the genus. In all anoles species with a crest, only the male will have it.

Warnings

• Sexing immature anoles is extremely difficult. In this case, size is the most reliable indicator of gender.
• Avoid handling anoles. Handling stresses them and can lead to poor health.

Warnings

• Anoles are capable of biting, and some people are allergic to their venom. Use caution when handling.

References

• Smithsonian Zoological Park: Anole Fact Sheet
• Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection: Anoles
• Green Anoles