It's about 5 to 8 inches long and can change color.The green anole is native to the southern United States.Is it a boy or a girl?It can be difficult to tell with young anoles.Learning about the sexual dimorphisms specific to the Anolis carolinensis will help you figure it out.
Step 1: Determine the length of your anole.
Female anoles are smaller than males.Adult females are usually around five inches long, while males can grow up to eight inches.You will need more information to make your determination, as both larger females and smaller males are possible.
Step 2: There is a stripe.
A white stripe runs down the back of an adult female anoles.You will need to look for other signs to be certain of the sex of your lizard, because not all females have the stripe.
Step 3: The throat should be checked.
Male anoles have a pink or red flap of skin hanging in an arcs from the neck region, which they can inflate during aggression displays.It is often lighter in color for some female anoles.While most anoles with a prominent dewlap are males, remember that this is still not a 100% guarantee that your anole is male.Female anoles can use their dewlaps in displays of aggression just as males do.
Step 4: The tail should be checked.
Pick up your anole and look under it.Postanal scales are found at the base of the tail of male anoles.If you notice the scales, you can be certain that your anole is a male.It can be difficult to spot the postanal scales on a lizard.You might need to wait until the anole is fully mature to know for sure.
Step 5: Aggressive behavior should be looked for.
If there is a female around, male anoles will fight each other.When male anoles fight, they open their mouths and lunge at one another.Black spots will form behind their eyes if they are extremely agitated.The anoles can fight until one of them submits.If your anoles start fighting like this, you will need to separate them.If they are overcrowded, female anoles will sometimes fight one another, but it is less common and less intense.
Step 6: Look for courting behavior.
Between April and September, the anoles will breed in captivity if the conditions are right.If a female is present, male anoles will often make displays that include bobbing their heads rapidly up and down.Males will try to catch females by the scruff of their neck.Courtship and aggression displays start in the same way, but end differently.If you see this kind of behavior in your anoles, keep an eye on it.You will need to separate them if they are fighting.
Step 7: They should be caught in the act.
The sex of your lizards can be determined by catching your anoles.The male is on top and the female on the bottom.It's a good sign that your lizard is a female if you see an anole laying an egg.