Care Sheet - Cuban Boa(Epicrates angulifer)
Care Sheet Japalura splendida
Picture by Echsen.de
Common Names: The Japalura Tree Dragon, Banana Split Mountain
Lizard, Chinese Tree Dragon, Dragon Agama, Neon Tree DragonRange:
South western China in the provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou,
Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu, and Henan, and also in the southeast of
Tibet.Habitat: From humid, temperate jungles.Size: 8 to 16inches in
length (including the tail).Life Expectancy: Not knownHousing:
30x12x17 inch terrarium or larger.
Requires a warm, humid environment. These lizards are very
curious and active. Dcor: A shallow water bowl of water to bathe
in. Branches, vines, artificial plants plenty of hiding places. A
large rock for basking under the basking light. Substrate: Peat,
Coir, orchid Bark with some added moss.Temperature: The mid to
upper 70sF (23 - 26 C) is fine and in the upper section of the
enclosure, near the heat lamp, the temperature can range from the
lower to mid 80s F (27 - 30 C).Two thermometers one to monitor the
cool area and one for the hotter areas of the terrarium.Humidity:
This can be accomplished by providing a humidifier appropriate for
the terrarium, of which there are several available on the market.
Another less expensive option is to mist the cage and reptile three
times daily. The humidity helps the lizard shed its skin. A
hygrometer will show whether the proper humidity level is being
maintained or not. Aim for about 70%+ humidity.Heating: I prefer to
use ceramic infra red emitters on a pulse proportionate thermostat.
Infra red heat bulbs can also be used with a dimmer thermostat.
Always use a safety cage for all heat sources this includes spot
bulbs. Lighting: Ultraviolet light is needed for the lizard to
properly synthesize vitamin D. In the wild, UVB rays are naturally
provided by the sun, and in a captive environment, is needed to
prevent the lizard from developing any calcium deficiency
(Metabolic Bone Disease). Also, dust the lizard's prey with a
calcium supplement specifically for reptiles as indicated by the
manufacturer.I recommend the Exo Terra Repti Glo 5.0 tube or the
Repti Glo 5 Compact bulbs.
A second spot type bulb for a basking light connected to a
dimming thermostat set at 27 - 30 C above the basking rock or
branch.Feeding: Baby Japaluras will eat small fruit flies, and
waxworms (waxworms should be fed in moderation as they can be
fattening and addictive best as a treat). Adults will eat
superworms, earthworms, crickets, flies, locusts and waxworms. Note
that crickets do bite and it is highly recommended that they be
removed from the terrarium after the lizard has eaten its fill.
Also, feed "gut-loaded" insects, insects that have been fed a
highly nutritious diet as that ensures those nutrients will be
passed to the lizard. Dusting with a calcium supplement is
recommended. Follow the guidelines on the supplement and only use a
supplement designated for reptiles.Breeding: Japaluras lay eggs in
nests in late May to June which will hatch in mid July to August in
shallow nests with an average of 5 - 7 eggs per nest. Due to the
low price on the market currently for WC Japaluras, they are not
favored by commercial breeders, and little more is known about
their breeding.
Sexing: The easiest way to determine the sex of even young
Japaluras is the check the black markings running down the centre
of their back. On the male, it will take the form of an unbroken
line running the length of their back; on the female it will be
broken up into a series of diamonds or squares with green in
between. Additionally, mature males will sport a small crest
running from the back of their head and covering the back of their
neck. They also have a larger dewlap.
Comments:Japalura splendida is an agamid lizard. They prefer
drinking from dripping leaves to a water bowl, so be sure to mist
plants daily.John Gamesby
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