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Latin Name: Lacerta sp
Native To: Europe and North Africa
Maximum Length: 4 - 12 inches (Includes tail)
Approximate Life Span: 5 - 8 years
LACERTA GENERAL INFORMATION
Lacertas make great starter lizards. Lacertas are relatively calm for a
lizard of this size. There are currently several species available to
the reptile enthusiast. Most Lacertas will mix well with other species,
provided they are of roughly similar size. Lacertas can be found in a
wide range of habitats, anywhere from sandy beaches to rocky deserts
and open forests. The Lacerta's prime defense against predators is to
release its tail. Do not handle lizards by the tail, in many cases that
may be all you are left holding. The tail will regrow, but it never
comes back as nice as the orignal. Lacertas will actively breed in
April. Some species have live birth, but most are egg layers. Egg
laying will occur in June.
LACERTA ENCLOSUREs
Keep in well-ventilated aquarium. A 10
gallon aquarium with a screen top will work fine for 2 - 4 Lacertas.
But of course the larger the better. Lacertas can be kept alone, or in
groups consisting of 1 male and several females. Males kept together
without adequate space are prone to fighting. Include lots of climbing
places. Decorate with real plants or use Zoo Med REPTI FLORA™. A few
pieces of cork bark will make a natural hiding place.
SUBSTRATE
Use sphagnum moss or Zoo Med
REPTI BARK™. You can very easily simulate the earth of the forest or
desert floor by mixing sand with peat moss. Do NOT use silica sand, its
dust is harmful to you and the animals! Decorate with Zoo Med DESERT
TERRARIUM TREES, Zoo Med REPTILE VINES. If you choose to use rocks for
decorating, be sure they are firmly positioned to avoid an unnecessary
accident.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures should
range between 80 - 85°f. A basking area should be provided with
temperatures between 85 - 90°f. Nighttime temperatures should be
allowed to drop as low as, but not lower than 75°f. The humidity level
should be 30 - 40 %. In dryer climates an airstone may be used in the
water bowl to raise the humidity. These animals may require a light
misting 1 - 2 times a day.
HEATING
Reptiles need to be able to regulate their
body temperature, so a temperature range must be provided. Use a Zoo
Med REPTITHERM® UNDER TANK HEATER (U.T.H.). Leave it on 24 hours a day.
UTH's take a few hours to reach their optimal temperature. For easy
heat control, use a Zoo Med REPTI-TEMP™ RHEOSTAT in conjunction with
the U.T.H's. They will also slightly help to increase the air
temperature if needed. Always use at least one thermometer in all
reptile & amphibian enclosures, although two thermometers are
optimal. Place one thermometer on the cooler side, and one on the
warmer side. A Zoo Med DELUXE ANALOG MIN/MAX THERMOMETER works great to
show the high and low temperatures in a 24 hour period.
LIGHTING
The Zoo Med REPTISUN 5.0™ with its high UVB
and UVA output is an excellent choice for lighting. The UVB is helpful
but not essential, and the UVA will help with your new friend's mental
well being. All reptiles and amphibians need a photo period (light
cycle). A plug in timer (for your lights only, do not use a timer for
your heating devices) works well to develop a regular photo period of 8
- 10 hours of light, 14 - 16 hours of darkness. Reptiles and amphibians
cannot see the red light spectrum, so a red bulb is ideal for nighttime
viewing of your Anoles.
LACERTA FOOD & WATER
Lacertas can handle eating medium to
large crickets. They will also eat small pieces of sweet fruit or lick
fruit flavored baby food from a shallow dish. Dust food lightly with
REPTIVITE™ every other feeding. Always feed your crickets assorted
fruits and vegetables or a commercially prepared cricket diet 12 - 24
hours before feeding the crickets to your pets. Provide a shallow bowl
for them to drink from. They should be able to easily get out of the
bowl should they fall in.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately
after handling reptiles and amphibians. Never leave live food long term
with reptiles & amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, or even
kill your pet. If your animals take some time to eat or you feed them
at night, leave a slice of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live
food items to eat. Your local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile
and amphibian related books and supplies. Please make sure you read and
become familiar with any instructions provided with reptile support
products you may purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Lacertas. We hope that our guidelines will assist you with the care
or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
