Husbandry requirements
Common Butterfly Lizard — origin: Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula and southern China (Hainan). Inhabits open sandy areas, coastal dunes, dry grasslands and scrub, where it digs long burrows..
Terrarium temperature gradient
A heliophilic species from a hot, sunny environment: a genuine basking hot spot is essential. Maintain a marked thermal gradient with a cool zone allowing refuge. A natural nighttime drop is acceptable. Use a thermostat and check temperatures at substrate level under the spot.
A spacious terrestrial terrarium, prioritizing a large floor area and a substantial substrate depth to allow burrowing.
Minimum for one adult or a small compatible group; bigger is always better for this very active species. Floor space takes priority over height. Provide a perfectly secure lid (a fast, jumping animal) and hiding places/burrows. In a group (loose colony), greatly increase the floor area and multiply the burrow zones to limit conflicts.
An overall moderate to dry atmosphere, but the bottom of the burrows remains more humid: keep the deep substrate layer slightly moist to maintain the structure of the tunnels and allow hydration via the burrow's microclimate.
A substrate that is loose yet able to hold tunnels: a sand/soil mix moistened at depth produces the best burrows. Minimum depth of 20 to 30 cm (more is preferable). The surface layer may remain dry, the bottom slightly moist.
Essential and of high intensity: a diurnal, heliophilic species. Provide a high-output UVB source (T5 HO 10-12%) covering the basking area, replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Combine with strong general lighting.
Provide a small dish of clean, shallow water at all times. The species also hydrates through its food and the humid microclimate of the burrow. Light misting of the cool zone/burrow can help recently imported individuals.
Southeast Asia: Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula and southern China (Hainan). Inhabits open sandy areas, coastal dunes, dry grasslands and scrub, where it digs long burrows.
Feeding & health
Omnivore — Insects (crickets, locusts, beetles, roaches) and plant matter (edible flowers, young shoots, tender leaves such as dandelion, hibiscus).
Alternate animal and plant foods; juveniles are more insectivorous, while adults consume a larger plant portion. Dust the insects with calcium (with D3 sparingly) and offer a regular vitamin supplement.
Clutch 3–8 eggs/young. Eggs are buried in the substrate; the species needs an area of deep, sufficiently moist substrate to lay. Artificial incubation is generally around 28-30 °C for about 2 months (variable). Taxonomic note: the genus Leiolepis includes parthenogenetic (unisexual) species, but L. belliana is a sexual, bisexual species.
- Massive internal parasitism (nematodes, protozoa) very common in wild-caught animals — veterinary screening and deworming recommended on arrival
- Chronic stress and refusal to feed leading to dehydration and wasting
- Rostral (snout) abrasions caused by escape attempts/rubbing against the walls
- Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in cases of insufficient UVB or calcium
- Digestive impaction (temperature too low or ingestion of unsuitable substrate)
Morphs & genetics
Registry of 0 documented gene for Common Butterfly Lizard.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about keeping the common butterfly lizard.
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