Stress

Stress is a very common factor in keeping Green Anoles. It's the number one cause of sickness and death. Stress can be caused by a plethora of factors. (If you're here for info on color changes, scroll down.)

Common Causes

1. Temperature
      A. Too hot
      B. Too cold
2. Humidity
     A. Too high
     B. Too low
3. Diet
     A. Not being fed enough
    B. Unhealthy food source
4. Lighting
     A. No UVB rays
     B. No structure to light cycle (lights get turned off and on at different times every day)
5. Environment
     A. Alot of movement around the enclosure
     B. Alot of noise around the enclosure
     C. Potential predator lurking in the room (Ex. cat, dog, bird, human)
     D. No hiding places in the enclosure
     E. Overcrowding
     F. Two males in the same enclosure
     G. Enclosure is too small
6. Miscellaneous
     A. Being handled too often

Short Term Stress

Green and Brown Anoles are very easily stressed, so short-term stress is very common and is usually nothing to worry about. Short-term stress is caused by several factors. Rearranging the enclosure, a sudden loud noise or quick movement, daily cleaning are examples of actions that can cause short term stress. This stress only lasts a few minutes and has no long-term effects on the Anole.

Long Term Stress

Long-term stress is more serious than short term, because it lasts longer. Stress that lasts longer will have a larger effect on the Anole, and can cause sickness and eventually death if the cause is not identified and corrected. Temperature, humidity, diet, and environmental factors can all cause long-term stress.

Post-Orbital Spots

When a Green Anole is extemely stressed, sick, or angry, it may have dark, wedge-shaped spots, also known as "Post-Orbital Spots" directly behind its eyes. These spots are an early warning sign that something is very wrong, and corrective measures should be taken immediately. (Notice the Post-Orbital spots behind the eyes of the Anole to the right.)

Bob Carmany on Post-Orbital Spots: "The post orbital spot is primarily seen in mature males during a Challenge display which may take place without another male present. It is a sign of extreme anger. They may also display the spot when extremely angry for other reasons as well. It is a 'don't mess with me' message."

Color Changes

    Green Anoles have the ability to change colors. However, their color variety is limited only to shades of green and brown. There are different theories as to why Green Anoles change color. They are called theories for a reason. None can be scientifically proven as the real reason (or law) as to why they change color.

Chameleon Theory: "A Green Anole will remain green until it moves onto something brown. Then it will be brown."
     This theory has been all but disproved. It basically states that Green Anoles change color to match their surroundings, like a Chameleon. Most experienced Anole keepers agree that the Green Anole does not do this. An Anole can be in an enclosure where everything is green, and still be brown. I know this from first-hand experience with my Anoles. I have heard stories of Anoles turning brown to match the brown substrate when hunting for food. That's certainly possible. However, it is universally excepted that Anoles do not change colors to match their surroundings. So if you're in a room full of Anole owners, bring a bodyguard and earplugs if you support this theory.

Living Mood Ring/Stress Test Theory: "A Green Anole will remain green until stressed. Then it will be brown."
     The Living Mood Ring Theory is the most widely accepted theory of color changing. This theory states that if a Green Anole is happy, it is green. If it is stressed, it is brown. Not untrue, but it can't be proven to be completely true either. It is usually true that if a Green Anole is cold, it is brown. My own personal opinion is that when a Green Anole is cold, it turns brown because darker colors absorb heat faster. When it warms up, it turns back to green so heat doesn't keep absorbing to the point that the Green Anole overheats. This is just an advanced form of thermoregulation. Male Green Anoles usually turn a dark brown color during territorial disputes to be more intimidating. Usually, the darker the color, the more likely it is stressed. Overall, this theory is accurate around 75% of the time. The most accurate indicator of stress is Post-Orbital spots.

Undecided/Who Cares Theory: "A Green Anole will remain green until it wants to turn brown. Then it will turn brown."
     The Undecided/Who Cares Theory states that Green Anoles change colors when they feel like it. If they want to be brown, they turn brown. If they're in a green kinda mood, then they turn green. There's not much to say about this theory. It's actually pretty accurate in my eyes. Form your own opinion.

Specific Reason Theory: "A Green Anole will remain green until it finds a specific reason to turn brown. Then it will turn brown."
     In my opinion, this is the most accurate theory, and it is the theory I choose to support. Basically, this theory states that there are specific reasons that the Green Anole turns brown. We don't know all of them, but we do know some. Being cold or angry are two of those specific reasons. I also believe that individual Green Anoles can learn to use their color changing ability to their advantage. Such as the Anoles that changed to brown to match the substrate when hunting.

Summary

As you can see, no one knows exactly why Green Anoles change colors. People have formed their opinions. Now it's time to form yours. Which theory will you support? Or, will you come up with your own? It's up to you. None of these theories or wrong, nor are any of them 100% accurate.