Long-tailed lizards, with their slender bodies and exceptionally long tails, are captivating reptiles that have gained popularity as pets. Originating from Southeast Asia, China, and parts of Russia, these lizards, also known as grass lizards, are naturally found in damp grasslands and forest edges. Their remarkable tails, often up to four times their body length, are not just for show; they serve as crucial tools for balance and agility as they navigate their grassy habitats. But are long-tailed lizards good pets for you? Let’s delve into the specifics of their care, temperament, and suitability as pets to help you make an informed decision.
Long-Tailed Grass Lizard: Species Overview
Before deciding if a long-tailed lizard is the right pet for you, understanding their basic characteristics is essential. Here’s a quick overview:
- Common Name: Long-tailed lizard, Long-tailed Grass Lizard, Grass Lizard
- Scientific Name: Takydromas sexlineatus
- Adult Size: Typically 10 to 12 inches in total length, with the tail making up a significant 80% of their size.
- Life Expectancy: With proper care, they can live for 5 years or more, making them a commitment for several years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1322482352-3b0143b9a18c48169a80464c61747397.jpg)
Behavior and Temperament of Long-Tailed Lizards
Long-tailed grass lizards are known for their active and agile nature. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day, which makes them enjoyable to watch. These lizards are generally considered to have a gentle and easygoing temperament, contributing to their appeal as pets. They can often be housed in small groups, which can be fascinating to observe, though males may exhibit territorial behavior if space is limited.
One of the most interesting aspects of their behavior is their prehensile tails. Similar to chameleons and some geckos, they can use their tails to grip and balance, and even hang from branches. While they can tolerate gentle handling, it’s crucial to avoid grabbing them by the tail, as they can detach it as a defense mechanism. Like geckos, long-tailed lizards can drop their tails when stressed or threatened, a process known as autotomy. While the tail will regrow, it’s a significant biological event for the lizard and takes considerable time, more so than in shorter-tailed lizard species.
Creating the Ideal Habitat: Housing Your Long-Tailed Lizard
Setting up the correct habitat is paramount to the health and well-being of your long-tailed lizard. A vertical tank is recommended to accommodate their arboreal lifestyle.
- Enclosure Size: For a single long-tailed lizard, a 20-gallon vertical tank is the minimum. For each additional lizard, increase the tank size by 10 gallons. A secure, screened top is essential to prevent escapes, as these lizards are very agile and can squeeze through small openings.
- Decor and Enrichment: Inside the enclosure, mimic their natural environment by providing plenty of branches, cork bark, and both live or artificial plants. Vines are also excellent for creating climbing opportunities and hiding places. The more space and enrichment provided, the more comfortable and natural their behavior will be.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-150345879-587964563df78c17b2ca596c.jpg)
Substrate Considerations for Long-Tailed Lizard Tanks
While they are grass-dwelling lizards, long-tailed lizards will also spend time on the substrate in their enclosure. The right substrate is important for maintaining humidity and ease of cleaning.
- Recommended Substrates: Mulch, peat moss, or forest bark substrates are good choices as they help retain humidity, which is crucial for these lizards.
- Easy Cleaning Options: Paper towels or reptile mats (Astroturf) can be used for easier cleaning.
- Substrates to Avoid: Avoid sand and wood chips, as these can be ingested accidentally and cause impaction, a serious health issue in reptiles.
Maintaining Proper Heat for Long-Tailed Grass Lizards
Temperature regulation is critical for reptiles, as they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
- Daytime Temperatures: Create a thermal gradient by providing a basking spot that reaches 90 to 95°F. The ambient temperature in the rest of the enclosure should be between 75 and 85°F.
- Nighttime Temperatures: Temperatures can drop slightly at night to between 65 and 75°F. If temperatures fall too low, it can hinder their digestion and lead to health problems.
- Heating Methods: Heat lamps with appropriate bulbs or ceramic heat emitters are suitable for providing heat. Under-tank heaters alone are usually insufficient, as long-tailed lizards spend most of their time above ground level.
Lighting Needs: UVA and UVB for Long-Tailed Lizards
Like many diurnal reptiles, long-tailed grass lizards require full-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UVA and UVB, for their health and well-being.
- UVB and UVA Lighting: Use specialized reptile UVB and UVA bulbs. UVB is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis, which is crucial for calcium absorption and preventing metabolic bone disease. UVA light contributes to their overall well-being and natural behaviors.
- Bulb Placement: Ensure the UV bulb is appropriately positioned, close enough to provide benefit but not so close as to cause burns. UV light cannot penetrate glass, so place the bulb over a wire mesh top.
- Nighttime Lighting: At night, use a red or purple night bulb or a ceramic heat emitter if supplemental heat is needed without light disruption.
Humidity Levels for Healthy Long-Tailed Lizards
Maintaining the correct humidity level is crucial for long-tailed lizards, mimicking their native damp environments.
- Humidity Range: Aim for a humidity level of 70 to 75% within the tank at all times. Use a hygrometer to accurately monitor humidity levels.
- Humidity Maintenance: A shallow water dish will contribute to humidity, but daily misting of the tank is also necessary. Many long-tailed lizards prefer to drink water droplets from leaves and decorations.
Diet and Hydration for Long-Tailed Grass Lizards
Proper nutrition and hydration are fundamental to keeping your long-tailed lizard healthy.
- Primary Food Source: Live crickets are the staple diet for long-tailed grass lizards.
- Variety in Diet: Supplement their diet with other insects like mealworms, waxworms, butterworms, and flies to provide nutritional diversity. Gut-load insects before feeding to enhance their nutritional value.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed adult lizards several crickets every other day, while juveniles should be fed daily. Dust prey items with a vitamin and mineral supplement (including calcium and Vitamin D3) once a week.
- Water: Provide a shallow dish with fresh, non-chlorinated water daily. Consider a reptile drip system to encourage drinking from a dish, as this also helps maintain humidity. Change the water daily and clean the dish to prevent bacterial growth.
Common Health Issues and Behavioral Concerns in Long-Tailed Lizards
Like all pets, long-tailed lizards can be susceptible to certain health issues.
- Parasites: Wild-caught lizards are more prone to parasites. However, even captive-bred lizards can develop parasitic infections. Symptoms include sluggishness, loss of appetite, and vomiting. External parasites like mites and ticks can also be a problem.
- Respiratory Infections: Improper humidity levels can lead to respiratory infections. Symptoms include open-mouth breathing, wheezing, and mucus around the nose and mouth.
- Veterinary Care: If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a reptile veterinarian promptly. Do not attempt to treat them at home, as they are delicate and require specialized care.
Choosing a Healthy Long-Tailed Lizard
Selecting a healthy lizard from the start is vital for a positive pet ownership experience.
- Captive Bred vs. Wild-Caught: Opt for captive-bred or “ranched” lizards whenever possible. They are generally healthier and less likely to carry parasites compared to wild-caught individuals.
- Signs of a Healthy Lizard: Healthy long-tailed lizards will be alert, active, have clear eyes and skin, and possess a long, intact tail. Avoid sluggish lizards as this could indicate health problems.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-172259347-5879637c3df78c17b2ca583c.jpg)
Are Long-Tailed Lizards Good Pets? – The Verdict
Long-tailed lizards can indeed be excellent pets, particularly for those who are fascinated by active, visually appealing reptiles. They are relatively low-maintenance in terms of handling, as they are more of a display animal. Their gentle nature and ease of care make them suitable for both beginners and experienced reptile enthusiasts. However, potential owners should be committed to providing the correct habitat, diet, and environmental conditions to ensure their long-term health and happiness. If you are prepared to meet their specific needs, a long-tailed lizard can be a rewarding and engaging pet.
Similar Lizard Species to Consider
If you find the long-tailed lizard appealing, you might also be interested in these similar species:
- Anoles: These are small, diurnal lizards that are also relatively easy to care for and are known for their active behavior.
- Day Geckos: These brightly colored geckos are active during the day and require similar care to long-tailed lizards in terms of humidity and diet.
Explore these and other reptiles to find the perfect pet for your lifestyle!
