According to an estimate, there are about 7500 to 8000 living species of reptiles in the world, of which the majority are lizards and snakes – almost above 7000 species. With these creatures crawling here and there, Australia tops the list of having the greatest number of reptile species in the country, as it has about 1078 reptile species. Since I started with reptiles, let me ask you: have you seen an anole? Do you know what it is? Today, you will get to know the facts related to anole eggs. Along with this, what do anoles eggs look like? Also, what do you do if you find an anole egg?
1. What is an Anole?
A family of lizards named Dactyloidae is commonly known as anoles. They are small to large lizards in green to brown color. However, their color varies from species to species, and some are even capable of changing them. (See 10 Types Of Dart Frogs)
2. How Big they are?
Anoles can be of different sizes, in which males are generally larger than female anoles, but this can be the opposite in some anole species. An adult anole can be 1.5 to 7.5 inches (4 to 51 centimeters) in length from the snout to the vent and including the tail. Their length can be 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 centimeters) and their weight can be 137 grams (5 oz). (See What are Some Animals that have Big Eyes?)
3. What is Dewlap?
A longitudinal flap of skin or flesh that hangs below the lower jaw or neck of several vertebrates is known as a dewlap. Several anole species have a dewlap in distinct colors and sizes. It is located between their chest and throat. Anoles can open and close their dewlaps as it serves various functions like attracting partners, communicating, deterring predators, etc. (See Why do snakes shed their skin?)
4. Where are Anoles found?
You can find anole and anole eggs in tropical and subtropical areas of South America, Mexico, Central America, the Gorgona & Malpelo Islands, the West Indies, the Southeastern United States, and the offshore areas of East Pacific Cocos. (See I Found a Newt in my Garden What should I Do?)
5. Which Habitats do they Prefer?
Anoles like a variety of habitats based on their species. They are widely distributed in highlands at a height of about 12,300 feet (3,750 meters), above sea level, on the sea coast, in rainforests, and in deserts. Some species even live in limestone karst habitats, while a few anole species inhabit caves at the depth of about 65 feet (20 meters). However, some species evolved to live around humans in their gardens, trees, fences, or trees. Overall, anoles are present in all habitats, as they can be arboreal, semi-arboreal, semi-aquatic, and terrestrial. (See How snakes survive in hot dessert conditions?)
6. What is their Reproductive Behavior?
The breeding seasons differ from species to species and also from the region in which they reside. A female can mate with numerous males and then store sperm cells inside her body for fertilizing the eggs, even after several months of mating. The female anole lays one or two eggs at a time. A few anole species lay eggs together that form a communal nest. While cave anole species lay 25 eggs at a time, in which eggs are glued together in a small cavity on the cave wall. (See How is a Queen Bee born?)
7. What do Anoles Eggs Look Like?
Depending on the size of the species of anole, the size of anole eggs varies greatly. However, mostly they are tiny measuring about 6 millimeters in length and having a circumference of about 14 millimeters. The shell of the egg is usually white but can be brown or speckled in shades of brown. Some eggs are so tiny that if you place them on your palm it looks like a single pea. (See 5 Name of Mammals that Lay Egg)
8. Where can You find Anole Eggs?
Anole lays eggs and buries them under the moist leaf litter soil, under debris, rocks, small holes, or hollow logs. You will not find the mother anole anywhere near the eggs, because they do not stay with the eggs and do not even take care of the young ones. Eggs usually hatch between 5 and 7 weeks. (See How far do snakes travel?)
9. What do You do if You find an Anole Egg?
Since female anole leaves their eggs to hatch on their own, they likely do it after putting them in suitable conditions for the proper development of their eggs. However, it is possible that you may come across some scattered anole eggs that were disturbed by some rodents or anything else. It is up to you whether you want to hatch them or not. In case you want a pet anole in your garden, you can do the following things:
Step 1: Take a Tupperware container about 3 to 4 inches (7.62 to 10.16 centimeters) in diameter, if you are taking a round container. If you are taking a square or rectangle container, make sure the size is alternate.
Step 2: Fill the half tub with dirt or mud. Make sure to use the same dirt or mud from which you found anole egg(s).
Step 3: Poke holes in the lid of the container before covering the tub. The lid will protect the eggs from kids and other pets, while the holes will keep the oxygen flow going.
Step 4: Gently scoop the eggs from the ground. Do not hold them with your hands, because they are in a delicate stage and can break. You can place 1 egg in 1 container, but make sure to prepare the container before picking up the egg. Till then, keep an eye on them to keep them safe.
Step 5: After putting the anole eggs into the container and closing the lid, place the container or containers into a cardboard box.
Step 6: Heat is necessary for all eggs to hatch. Therefore, you can place the heat lamp above the cardboard box. Make sure to place the cardboard box and lamp in an area that is safe from kids and other members, including pets.
Step 7: Now, you have to adjust the temperature of the box, because eggs need 15.55° to 26.66° Celsius (60° to 85° Fahrenheit) to develop properly and hatch in a healthy state. To maintain the accurate temperature, you need to place a thermometer in the cardboard box and keep adjusting the height of the lamp until the thermometer shows the required reading. Do not forget to re-check the temperature after every 12 hours.
Step 8: You have to place an ultraviolet lamp above the box when you go for a temperature checkup. Eggs need sunlight during the daytime.
Step 9: Eggs also need moisture, so it is better to keep them moist. You can do so with a spray bottle. Just spray a fine mist over the eggs to keep them moist. This must be done once in the morning and once before the night ends, to maintain the moisture for anole eggs.
Step 10: Keep a check on the temperature, ultraviolet light exposure time, and moisture of the eggs until they hatch. Soon you will have a tiny little friend. Must read List of Names for Groups of Animals.
10. What to feed a Newborn Anole?
Anoles are fond of eating crickets, but they also like to drink nectar from the flowers. Since your new friend is small, you can feed live insects, most preferably pinhead crickets. They will provide all the necessary nutrients required by the baby anole to grow healthy. You can feed them small pieces of fruit.
So, it is not much difficult to hatch anole eggs, but you just need to be a little careful. I hope you remember what do anoles eggs look like. It is time to ask your friends and family members: what do you do if you find an anole egg? Do not forget to share your answers. (See What do Newts Eat in a Pond?)
