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== Taxonomy == '''Order:''' Squamata <br /> '''Family:''' Lacertidae <br /> '''Genus:''' Takydromus <br /> '''Species:''' Sexlineatus == Introduction == A wonderful and easy to care for lizard, they are active, agile and fun to watch. They are active predators hunting insects and other small invertebrates. They are a social lizard and do well in small groups of 3-6 or with other small lizards and some amphibians. They are native to southeast asia. Some pet stores list them as Long Tailed Grass Skink, this is wrong as they are not skinks and more closely related to lacertaes. == Difficulty == Easy, provide a good sized home in the 15g+ range with plenty of things to climb and several basking spots. == Basic Info == Its diurnal lizard with semi-prehensile tail it uses to balance and climb with. == Size == Adults can be 10-12" in length. About 3-4" in body the remainder a very long tail. == Lifespan == Life span is 5+ years. == Handling == Those not used to handling will be skittish and jumpy. To acclimate your new grass lizard to being handled start by getting it used to your hands. Simply let its curious nature do your work for you, place your hands near the lizard till its used to them. It will use it tongue much like a snake does to taste you. After it stop running from your hands, try to pick it up by getting it to crawl onto your hand. Be careful not startle it or grab its delicate tail. After awhile they become rather friendly and will easily be picked up. Be aware of the tail, it will try to secure the lizard and caution needs to be taken not to accidentally break off the tail. == Housing == At least a 15g for one lizard and another 5g+ for each additional lizard. They are active foragers and climb very well. A sealed screen top they can't escape from the tank is a must. Many hiding spaces should be offered. They will pick a favorite spot to sleep and wrap their long tail around the body in coils. == Substrate == Coco-fiber, peat moss and bark chips work well and keep humidity in. Some individuals may burrow. == Temperature == Basking spot of 90-95°, general tank temperature of 80° and night temperature can be in the 70's. If you live in a colder climate an under tank heater may be needed. A thermometer should be present at the the basking spot and on the bottom of the tank. == Humidity == Try to maintain Humidity of around 70%, daily misting and a large shallow water bowl can help maintain proper humidity. == Lighting == A full spectrum UVA/UVB light is needed, lights should be on 10-12 hours a day. == Feeding == 3-4 live prey items 5x a week, juveniles need to be fed daily. == Diet == Small insects such 5 week old crickets, meal worms, butterworms, phoenix worms should be fed. Prey should be gutloaded. == Supplements v A calcium supplement should be dusted onto food 3x a week. == Hydration == A shallow water dish should be present and be changed with fresh water daily. == Advanced == Many are Wild Caught and likely have parasites and should be tested for them. Some males may fight each other and caution should be taken when setting up a colony. == Sexing == Males can easily be recognized by a large swelling at the base of the tail. == Breeding == Long Tailed Grass Lizards usually lay two to three eggs. == Conclusion == An elegant a rewarding reptile I heartily recomend to the experienced and beginner reptile keeper. == References == == Websites == * http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/lizards/lzd5967.html * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takydromus_sexlineatus * http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/lizards/long-tail-lizard.php == Books == == Author == Palor: my 1st try at a wiki This article was originally written by Palor. View other articles by Palor. Please note that others may have contributed to this article.

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