LONG TAILED LIZARD  

• Sometimes called the “Grass Lizard”, Long-tailed grass lizards live in the more heavily planted savannah regions of India, China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Malaysian Peninsula and Indonesia
• Long tailed lizards are usually a dark greenish brown to brown with a light (sometimes creamy white) belly. A brown stripe with a thin white or black border often runs down each side of the long tailed lizard, though the coloration and stripe may vary.
• Reaching 10-12” as adults. The average lifespan is 3-5 years.
• A popular pet, the Long Tailed Lizard is attractive, relatively hardy, inexpensive and easy to care for.

Diet

Long tailed Lizards are insectivores and eat crickets, mealworms, wax-worms and other insects. Crickets should be gut loaded or dusted in a calcium-vitamin D powder prior to feeding once a week. Long Tailed Lizards are diurnal (active during the day), so they should be fed during the day rather than at night. A water bowl should be provided and refreshed daily.

Housing  

Long Tailed Lizards do best when kept singly. If keeping several together, it is best to have more females than males. Though generally not aggressive, males can be territorial and more aggressive with other males.

Single Long Tailed Lizards can be kept in a 15 gallon aquarium with an additional 5 gallons per additional Long Tailed Lizard, with several branches, driftwood and vines to climb. The substrate can be mulch, peat moss or forest bark due to their ability to maintain a proper humidity.

Long Tailed Lizards need UVB lighting 10-12 hours per day for proper metabolism. They also require a warm 90-95ºF basking area and a cooler 75-80ºF area. A combination of under tank heat and a basking light on one side of the tank works well. Night temperatures can drop to 65-70ºF. A humidity level of 70-75% is ideal for Long Tailed Lizards. Misting the tank daily will help provide needed humidity and drops of water for drinking off plant leaves.

Handling & Care

Best kept as visual pets rather than handled, Long Tailed Lizards are delicate and difficult to hold. Though not aggressive, they are nervous and jumpy and can quickly run away. With frequent gentle handling, they can become content to cling to your finger or shirt without running for safety. Approach them calmly, placing your hands on each side, cupping them to support the belly. Never grab by the tail, as it will separate. Wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap after handling any animal.

Mist your Long Tailed Lizards daily and clean out feces and uneaten food. Change the substrate and clean the tank every 6 months.

Health

Many ailments and illnesses can be avoided with proper care and a good, clean environment. The two most commonly found problems in Long Tailed Lizards are fighting, due to too many males in one cage, and vitamin deficiencies.