Description

The Plated Lizard orginates from the Sudan and surrounding savannah areas. These lizards have plated type scales all over their body, hence its common name. They can ascertain a length of 20 to 24 inches and can live over 20 years. It is essential, due to their long lifespan, that a potential owner weighs up whether they can provide for this animal in the long term. With careful handling as a baby, the Plated Lizard becomes a very tame pet.

Housing

Due to their large adult size, the Plated Lizard requires a suitably large enclosure. A minimum of a 48"(L) x 24" x 24" Wooden Vivarium is recommended. A Glass Terrarium is not recommended because although the correct temperature (86-88°f) can be established in a glass enclosure, it is much more easily achieved in a wooden vivarium as they hold heat better. These tough lizards should be provided with a savannah enclosure with a deep substrate as they like to dig. Plenty of hiding areas such asa hollow cork tubes and a larage heavy water dish, so if they wish, they can soak themselves to cool down.

Lighting

UVB lighting is essential for this species and they require a 5% tube. Lighting should be provided for 10-12 hours and tubes should be replaced every 6 months. We recommend the linear tube lighting, such as the Exo Terra Repti Glo lights.

Temperature and Humidity

Like most savannah and desert reptiles, the Plated Lizard requires a high temperature during the day and a much cooler one during the night. This replicates the normal temperature changes in these regions. During the day the temperature should be 82-95°f and during the night 65-69°f. The basking spot area should be up to 113°f. This temperature is rarely achieved using conventional infrared heat lamps, and therefore a Ceramic Heat Emitter and Pulse Thermostat are recommended. Atmospheric humidity should be maintained between 50-60%.

Feeding

Plated Lizards require a diet of crickets and hoppers, but their these should also be supplemented with fruit and vegetables as well as vitamin and calcium supplements. Feed adults every other day, but babies should always have food available. The occasional pinky mouse as an adult may be accepted, but this is not a rule of thumb.

Recommended Products

A great way to begin your Plated Lizard keeping hobby is to purchase one of our complete Triple 8 Reptiles.