butterfly agamas (first care sheet) plz look!

[quadrapop]

when I first bought these lizards I couldn't find much about them at all and have noticed others having the same problem. I have never attempted a care sheet before so this is only to the best of my knowledge through experience and the use of agamid lizard books and any information found online. If there are any mistakes or wrong info please let me know by PM but im sure, although my first attempt it is more usefull than nothing.



Scientific Name: Leiolepis belliana
Common Name: Butterfly Agama/Butterfly lizard.

Family: Agamidae
Subfamily: Leiolepinae
Genre: Leiolepis
Species: Beliana

Size: These lizards usually grown to around 12 inches including tail. It is possible for males to be slightly larger.

Distribution: The distribution varies depending on subspecies. Leiolepis Belliana Guttata are found in southern China and Vietnam. Leiolepis Belliana Belliana are found in the northeastern coast of the Gulf and Thailand, also on nearby islands; coastal strip of Sumatra and Bangka Island. Leiolepis Cuvier are most commonly found in Burma and East to Southern China and the islands of Hainan and Bangka. Leiolepis Reevesi are more Northern but information on this subspecies is limited.

Substrate: In captivity a deep sand soil mix can be used as substrate. These lizards do like to burrow so the deeper the better, these burrows serve as living and hiding places.

Heating: Butterfly Agamas mainly leave their burrows only in the warmest hourse of the day and enjoy a basking area of 95f-100f. In a very large enclosure with a good temperature gradient higher temps can be used. In their natural habitat the sun can heat the ground to 130f and in this they display their full activity. A night time drop should be given. I personally switch off ceramics at night and have a heatmat on the base at 88f aswell as a room temperature cool end, all of my own prefer to sleep on the heat at night.

Humidity: The information about the humidity prefered for these lizards is hard to find and depends on subspecies, there are varying opinions, I have found that with Leiolepis B. Belliana a large water bowl and misting every other day is sufficient. A sand soil mix also helps maintain humidity. Butterfly lizards which are overly humid do not do as well.

Lighting: As diurnal lizards they require full spectrum UV lighting

Feeding: Butterfly Agamas are primarily insectivores eating crickets, mealworms and small hoppers in captivity, however they also enjoy the occasional vegetables. This can include leafy greens (no iceberg lettuce), cress, grated carrot and small amounts of cucumber. Personally I find these lizards do not have the biggest appetite. Leiolepis Cuvier will eat more vegetables and less insects.

Decor: Butterfly Agamas are mainly terrestrial but will make use of low branches and bark, they would bask on rocks naturally so enjoy a higher basking area such as a raised slab, this also allows somewhere to hide under at night. They will hide in and climb hanging plants so ensure they cannot reach bulbs etc.

Vivarium: These lizards are very active and like to run and jump, they appreciate space so the bigger the vivarium the better. 4ft long + will be suitable.

Breeding: Butterfly Agamas have not been greatly studied in their natural environment and little is known about their breeding habits although it is known that they predominantly monogamous. Although monogamous they live in groups but inhabit their burrows alone or in pairs.

[quadrapop]

anyone wanna give feedback?

[Exotic Mad]

very helpful as i'm getting 2 tomorrow thanks!

[talos]

i would like to add to your sheet for i agree there isnt enough info on careing for a butterfly lizard........i have had my butterfly lizard for about 2-3 weeks now and if its fine i would like to add somethings i have notice due to me watching my liazrd all the time because she is awsomeok so i just learned that they like to burrow thanks to your amazing sheet but my lizard is eating lol she eats 8-11 crickets a day and will devoire a good chuck of lettuce tho she only eats the lettece when no one is in the room lol and will on occation eat a mealworm or 2 or just plays with them i think this is do to the fact they do give much of a chase well this is all i got for now but if i learn more i wil post just so more ppl will have knowledge of these awsome lizards