Reptoria

Long-snouted anole (Anolis dolichocephalus)

Long-snouted anole (Anolis dolichocephalus) in a terrarium

Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Long-snouted anole (Anolis dolichocephalus) (origin: Haiti, endemic to the southwestern Tiburon Peninsula: the slopes of the Massif de la Hotte and the Port-Salut Peninsula; shady, densely vegetated forests). Adult size around 12–16 cm. Life expectancy 4–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Long-snouted anole: How big does the enclosure need to be?

50×50×80 cm for a pair, densely planted and with plenty of fine vertical structure — thin bamboo canes, reed stems, twigs and broad-leaved plants; this species does not need wide trunks. The official minimum size under the 1997 expert report (anoles, tree- and shrub-dwellers, 6 × 6 × 8 times the snout–vent length) works out at 30×30×40 cm.

Long-snouted anole: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 20–22 °C at night, a little cooler in winter.

Long-snouted anole: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).

Long-snouted anole: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 4–8 years.

Long-snouted anole: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
25–30 °C
Night temperature
20–22 °C at night, a little cooler in winter
Basking spot
Basking spot 32–35 °C
Humidity
65–85 %, mist in the morning
UVB
Essential (UVB 5.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size
50×50×80 cm for a pair, densely planted and with plenty of fine vertical structure — thin bamboo canes, reed stems, twigs and broad-leaved plants; this species does not need wide trunks. The official minimum size under the 1997 expert report (anoles, tree- and shrub-dwellers, 6 × 6 × 8 times the snout–vent length) works out at 30×30×40 cm.
Substrate
Forest-floor substrate with live plants and leaf litter, plus plenty of thin, vertical stalks, bamboo canes and fine branches in the lower and middle zones

Feeding

Food
Small feeder insects: micro-crickets, fruit flies, aphids, firebrats and small servings of meadow plankton, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins. Wax moths only as a rare addition.
Feeding interval
adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size
12–16 cm
Life expectancy
4–8 years
Origin
Haiti, endemic to the southwestern Tiburon Peninsula: the slopes of the Massif de la Hotte and the Port-Salut Peninsula; shady, densely vegetated forests
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter with a shorter photoperiod
Cohabitation
Pairs (1.1) are the safest option; never keep males together — they fight until seriously injured. Females also defend their own, smaller territories: a second female is often harassed so much by the dominant one that she eats less and hides. One male with two females only works, if at all, in a considerably larger, densely structured enclosure and only with a spare enclosure ready.

Notes

A strikingly pointed head. A trunk dweller close to the ground.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Long-snouted anole (Anolis dolichocephalus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50×50×80 cm for a pair, densely planted and with plenty of fine vertical structure — thin bamboo canes, reed stems, twigs and broad-leaved plants; this species does not need wide trunks. The official minimum size under the 1997 expert report (anoles, tree- and shrub-dwellers, 6 × 6 × 8 times the snout–vent length) works out at 30×30×40 cm.), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with live plants and leaf litter, plus plenty of thin, vertical stalks, bamboo canes and fine branches in the lower and middle zones), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 24 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: anoleannals.org (Losos 2009, Kapitel 3), einrichtungsbeispiele.de, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, Wikipedia EN, Wikipedia EN (Anolis dolichocephalus, Anolis hendersoni)

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).