Long-Tailed Grass Lizards Can Grow To Be 4 Times Their Body Length

Long-tailed grass lizards are so named because their tails can grow to be four times the length of their bodies. These lizards live in southeast Asia, China, and southern Russia. They use their long tails for balance and weight distribution. They move quickly, or “swim,” across the top of the tall grasses. Long-tailed lizards have prehensile tails. Like monkeys and lemurs, these lizards can curl their tails and hang by them if they choose. Although they can tolerate gentle handling, you should never go grabbing one by the tail as it may break. A 20-gallon vertical and hexagonal tank is the minimum size requirement for housing a single long-tailed lizard. A screened top should be used. It must be one that is very secure. Within the cage, provide a variety of branches, cork bark, lily plants (live or silk) Mulch, peat moss, or forest bark type substrates are usually recommended. They help to retain humidity. Paper towels or green reptile matting (Astroturf) can also work as a bottom layer. They make for easier cleaning. Lizards need exposure to full-spectrum, visible light. Use a UVA and UVA producing bulb that is made for use with reptiles. Dust the tank daily with water. As many lizards will only drink from water droplets. Live crickets can be used as the main diet for long-tired grass lizard lizards. Supplement with mealworms, waxworms, butterworms, and flies to add variety. Dust prey items are given a vitamin and mineral supplement once a week. A fresh water dish should also be provided for clean, fresh non-chlorinated water. The wild-caught long-tail grass lizard is more prone to parasitic infections. Parasites can also be a problem, with tick or mites biting the lizard's skin. Many breeds of lizard are also susceptible to respiratory infections. All of the above medical conditions require a visit to a reptile veterinary clinic. The lizards move fast, especially when feeling surprised. If you encounter a lizards that is sluggish, it signals that its health is suspect. If you're interested in the long-faced grass lizard as a potential pet, you may want to check out these similar lizards. . . .