Male & Female Anole Differences

For a novice lizard keeper, recognizing the differences between male and female anoles can be a challenge. With careful observation, however, the behavioral and physical differences between the two sexes quickly become apparent. Observe your anoles in their terrarium and become familiar with their personalities. In doing so, you'll soon be able to tell the males from the females.

  1. Size

    • The most obvious difference between male and female anoles is size. When full-grown, male anoles will be several inches longer than females. They may also be bulkier.

    Dewlaps

    • The dewlap is the flap of skin under the throat of an anole. In some anoles, this flap is brightly colored. Anoles use this flap to make aggressive displays as well as to attract a mate. All male anoles of all species have dewlaps. Female of some subspecies may have dewlaps, but a female's dewlap will be substantially smaller than a male's. Males also display more frequently with their dewlaps. If you notice that your anole is puffing up his dewlap several times a day, he's probably a male.

    Stripes

    • Juveniles and females of most subspecies of anoles have a faint white stripe running down their backs. If your anole is full grown and still has this stripe, it's a female.

    Scales

    • Check the tail of your anole. Males typically have two large extra scales at the point where their tail attaches to their body.

    Territoriality

    • Both male and female anoles tend to be aggressive toward intruders and are even aggressive toward their own babies. Male anoles, however, are more likely to violently defend a territory. While females can learn to live with one another, males are more likely to fight with other males.