SCIENCE ALIVE!

"Anole or Gecko?" - What's the difference?

One of the many creatures that we have available for a two-week checkout here at Living Science is the Anole. While it may look similar to the small Gecko you may see on the side of your house or on your patio, it is a very different creature. Following is some useful information about the major differences.

Anole (Anolis carolinensis)

  • Average length (adult): 5-8 inches

  • Average weight (adult): 11-25 ounces

  • Lifespan: 4-8 years

  • Exercise: Minimal

  • Grooming needs: Moderate

  • Family-friendly: Sometimes

  • Other pet-friendly: No

  • Experience needed: Beginners


Gecko (Eublepharis macularius)

  • Average length (adult): 6-10 inches

  • Average weight (adult): 1-3.5 ounces

  • Lifespan: 1-20 years

  • Exercise: 15 minutes a day

  • Grooming needs: Moderate

  • Family-friendly: Yes

  • Other pet-friendly: No

  • Experience needed: intermediate

Anoles are small reptiles, related to the iguana, but with a more compact look. Different kinds of anoles can be found in southern states of the US, Cuba, Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands. They love warm, humid climates.

These little climbers love to spend their time crawling around on branches, walls, and other vertical planes.

Green anoles don't really like to be held very much. So, it's best to handle them minimally to avoid too much stress. If an anole is stressed out, they can drop their tail as a defense mechanism.

Green anoles love a nice, toasty environment with plenty of moisture and ventilation. Their habitat should be warmer at the top and cooler towards the floor so your anole can bask in the light or cool down as needed.

Geckos are small reptiles that you can find in warm climates worldwide in over 1,600 varieties. Though several types exist, you will find the leopard gecko and crested gecko most commonly in captivity.

Geckos can inhabit several different environments, making them highly adaptable and versatile. They are noctural creatures who do most of their venturing during nighttime hours.

Geckos can also become stressed if held too much and they also have the ability so drop their tail as a defense mechanism.

Geckos love a humid, moist environment that mimics their natural habitat. Having the proper temperatures and humidity in their terrarium helps their skind stay moist and shed appropriately. It also keeps their body temperature where is should be without getting too hot or cold.

To check our an Anole for your classroom, click HERE.