Defining Characteristics:

• Bright green to yellow-green coloration with potential dark speckling; capable of color change based on mood or environmental conditions
• Males display a large, prominent dewlap (typically orange or yellow) during courtship and territorial display
• Endemic to the island of Marie-Galante, making this a geographically restricted and somewhat rare species in the pet trade

Name: Anolis ferreus, commonly known as the Marie-Galante Anole

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: When setting up a home for your Marie-Galante Anole, vertical space is essential. A single adult requires a minimum enclosure of 18x18x36 inches, while an ideal setup for a pair or trio would be a 2x2x4 foot enclosure. Be sure to provide plenty of branches, live or artificial plants, and other climbing surfaces.

For substrate, ABG Mix or Josh's Frogs Tropical BioBedding works well. We especially recommend ABG for egg-laying. These anoles thrive with regular misting, and using an automatic mister is highly recommended to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day. Good ventilation is also a must.

Temperature (°F): Maintain a daytime basking spot of 85–90°, with an ambient temperature between 75–82°F. At night, the temperature can safely drop to 68–72°. Provide a UVB light source for 10–12 hours per day. We recommend Zoo Med LED/UVB combo lights, which provide for the animal and plants.

Use a digital thermometer to monitor temperature.

Humidity: Humidity should be maintained between 60–80%. Mist the enclosure 1–2 times daily and use a digital hygrometer to monitor levels.

Size: Male Marie-Galante Anoles can grow up to 6 inches in length, while females are slightly smaller. At the time of sale, animals will be at least 2 inches.

Age: With proper care, this species can live for 4–8 years in captivity. It's not definitively known how long a Marie-Galante anole lives in the wild, but it's likely only a few years due to predators and environmental pressures.

Feeding: As insectivores, these anoles should be fed a varied diet of crickets, roaches, small beetles, silkworms, and flies. Supplement their food with Repashy Calcium Plus LoD and a multivitamin powder 2–3 times per week.

Social Behavior: When it comes to housing, males are territorial, so only one male should be housed per enclosure unless the space is very large. They can be kept in pairs or trios (1 male to 2 females) if the enclosure is spacious enough to avoid overcrowding.

Sexing: Males are identified by their larger dewlap, more robust build, and postanal hemipenal bulges. Females are smaller and may lack a dewlap.

Color/Pattern: Their vibrant green to yellow-green color can darken with stress or temperature changes.

Breeding: In the wild, breeding is seasonal, but it can be encouraged in captivity with proper photoperiod and temperature cycling. Females lay single eggs, typically buried in the substrate, which will hatch in 40–60 days at 78–82°F.

Natural Range: Marie-Galante Island, Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles

History in the Hobby: This species is rare in the pet trade and primarily kept by advanced keepers or breeders. Due to their striking appearance and island-endemic status, these animals are quickly gaining interest. Anolis ferreus is often confused with other similar green anole species.

Links of Interest: 

• Anole Annals