Long Tailed Grass Lizard
From The Reptile File Wiki
(Difference between revisions)
Its diurnal lizard with semi-prehensile tail it uses to balance and climb with. | Its diurnal lizard with semi-prehensile tail it uses to balance and climb with. | ||
| - | == Size == | + | === Size === |
Adults can be 10-12" in length. About 3-4" in body the remainder a very long tail. | Adults can be 10-12" in length. About 3-4" in body the remainder a very long tail. | ||
| - | == Lifespan == | + | === Lifespan === |
Life span is 5+ years. | Life span is 5+ years. | ||
| - | == Handling == | + | === 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. | 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. | ||
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. | 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 == | + | === Substrate === |
Coco-fiber, peat moss and bark chips work well and keep humidity in. Some individuals may burrow. | Coco-fiber, peat moss and bark chips work well and keep humidity in. Some individuals may burrow. | ||
| - | == Temperature == | + | === 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. | 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 == | + | === Humidity === |
Try to maintain Humidity of around 70%, daily misting and a large shallow water bowl can help maintain proper humidity. | Try to maintain Humidity of around 70%, daily misting and a large shallow water bowl can help maintain proper humidity. | ||
| - | == Lighting == | + | === Lighting === |
A full spectrum UVA/UVB light is needed, lights should be on 10-12 hours a day. | A full spectrum UVA/UVB light is needed, lights should be on 10-12 hours a day. | ||
3-4 live prey items 5x a week, juveniles need to be fed daily. | 3-4 live prey items 5x a week, juveniles need to be fed daily. | ||
| - | == Diet == | + | === Diet === |
Small insects such 5 week old crickets, meal worms, butterworms, phoenix worms should be fed. Prey should be gutloaded. | Small insects such 5 week old crickets, meal worms, butterworms, phoenix worms should be fed. Prey should be gutloaded. | ||
| - | == Supplements == | + | === Supplements === |
A calcium supplement should be dusted onto food 3x a week. | A calcium supplement should be dusted onto food 3x a week. | ||
| - | == Hydration == | + | === Hydration === |
A shallow water dish should be present and be changed with fresh water daily. | A shallow water dish should be present and be changed with fresh water daily. | ||
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. | 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 == | + | === Sexing === |
Males can easily be recognized by a large swelling at the base of the tail. | Males can easily be recognized by a large swelling at the base of the tail. | ||
| - | == Breeding == | + | === Breeding === |
Long Tailed Grass Lizards usually lay two to three eggs. | Long Tailed Grass Lizards usually lay two to three eggs. | ||
== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
| - | An elegant a rewarding reptile I heartily | + | An elegant a rewarding reptile I heartily recommend to the experienced and beginner reptile keeper. |
== References == | == References == | ||
| - | == Websites == | + | === Websites === |
* http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/lizards/lzd5967.html | * http://www.centralpets.com/animals/reptiles/lizards/lzd5967.html | ||
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takydromus_sexlineatus | * http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takydromus_sexlineatus | ||
* http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/lizards/long-tail-lizard.php | * http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/lizards/long-tail-lizard.php | ||
| - | == Books == | + | === Books === |
== Author == | == Author == | ||
| - | Palor: | + | Palor: My first 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. | + | This article was originally written by |
| + | [http://www.thereptilefile.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=217 Palor]. | ||
| + | View other articles by | ||
| + | [http://www.thereptilefile.com/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Palor Palor]. | ||
| + | Please note that others may have contributed to this article. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Category:Care Guides]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Palor]] | ||
