Long tailed lizards Facts

Did you know? Long-tailed Lizards are very agile and fast. They are diurnal meaning they are most active during the day. Their tail makes up ¾ of their total length and is a prehensile tail, meaning they can wrap it around things to help them balance.

Step 1Choosing a Terrarium

Long-tailed Lizards live in Southern Asia and require a warm, humid environment. They may be housed together or with other compatible tropical animals.

Terrarium
(A) 10-gallon (18-20" tall) or larger terrarium for a single Long-tailed Lizard. A larger terrarium is
needed if housing multiple animals.

• Taller enclosures are preferred as Long-tailed Lizards like to climb.

(B) Screened lid, if not included with habitat.

Step 2Heating and Lighting

Heating
• Equip the habitat with (C) two thermometers (one high and one low) and (D) one hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels.

• The basking spot should be the warmest point in the habitat during the day. Heat is provided by a (E) high-wattage heat bulb placed directly above the basking spot. During the evening hours, the basking light should be turned off.

• Use a ceramic heat emitter or night heat lamp as needed to maintain nighttime temperatures.

Lighting
• Long-tail Lizards are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. Use a daytime (F) UVA/UVB (ultraviolet light) fluorescent bulb for about 12 hours per day.

• For night viewing, use a night-specific bulb to minimize light seen by your lizard.

Step 3Substrate and Decor

Substrate
(G) Use a 2-3" (5-8 cm) layer of coconut fiber or bark.

• Clean out waste weekly and completely change bedding at least once a month.

Decor
(H) Include decor to elevate your lizard closer to the heat source for basking.

(I) Add a wood/rock hiding place in the cool area of the home for hiding.

• Provide branches (artificial or live) for hiding and climbing. Lizards are good climbers and do well in environments with lots of branches and live plants (consult reptile plant text for safe live plant options).

Health
New surroundings and environments can be stressful for pets. Prior to handling your pet, give
him 3-4 days to adjust to his new surroundings while monitoring his behavior for any signs of stress or illness. Shortly after purchase, have a veterinarian familiar with reptiles examine your pet.

Things To Watch For
• Runny droppings for more than two days
• Eating or drinking less; weight loss
• Swollen joints
• Discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• Shedding problems; discolored skin
• Avoidance of the basking area; more time spent hiding, lethargic behavior

If you notice any of the above signs, speak with a PetSmart store associate or reptile veterinarian with questions about the health of your pet.

See also:

• forensic service