How to Tell the Gender of an Anole

How to Tell the Gender of an Anole. More than 500 members populate the Polychrotidae, or anole, family. All are small mostly tree climbing lizards that come in a variety of colors. Only a few are commonly found as pets. These include the U.S. native green anole (Anolis carolinensis), brown anole (Norops sagrei) and knight anole (Anolis equestris). Among most of the species, you can determine the gender by observing specific physical characteristics.

Step 1

Look for a dewlap. The dewlap is a flap of skin found under the chin that the anole will expand when threatened or trying to attract a female. Male anoles have a well developed and brightly colored dewlap, while most females have no dewlap or a very small one.

Step 2

Observe the color of the back of the anole. Adult males do not have a white stripe down their back. Adult females and male and female juveniles may have this white stripe, reports Melissa Kaplan of Anapsid.

Step 3

Examine the head and back of the anole. In some species, such as the brown anole, the males have a prominent dorsal crest that will rise when the dewlap is expanded.

References

• "Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates"; Patricia P. Bartlett, Billy Griswold, DVM, R.D.Bartlett; 2001
• Animal Diversity Web: Family Polychrotidae; Heather Heying
• Animal Diversity Web; Norops sagrei; Lauren Casanova
• Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection; Anoles; Melissa Kaplan; 2002