Geographical Region

Arid regions of Australia.

Habitat

Rocky outcrops and desert areas.

Colour

Light to dark grey with brown flecks across the back.

Many colour morphs now available inc. Red, Citrus, 'Leatherback'

Size

16 – 24 inches in total length.

Captive Environment

36l x 18d x 18h inches for a single adult.

36l x 24d x 24h inches for an adult pair.

Dry substrate such as aspen bedding or reptile hemp bedding as this reduces the risk of compaction. WE DO NOT SELL OR RECOMMEND SAND!!

Provide branches/platforms all over the vivarium to allow basking and thermoregulation.

Heating

Basking areas of 115°F needed, with an overall ambient of 85°F (measured 6inches in from the cooler end). Use a normal tungsten light bulb for 'hot-spot'. Always use a thermometer at either end to make sure you have the correct basking temperature as well as a heat gradient.

Lighting

Ultraviolet light is essential for this species, as it is needed to help metabolise calcium from its diet. Without this the lizard will develop metabolic bone disease and will die. A UV tube half the length of the vivarium is required to allow multiple basking areas. A 12% tube is required, this allows them maximum exposure of UVB essential to allow calcium metabolism. We also recommend the use of a reflector as this increases UV output by an extra 50%. Branches need to be within 6 – 8inches for the lizard to gain full effects.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 13 hours light – 11 hours darkness

Spring/summer – 14 hours light – 10 hours darkness

Feeding

Hatchlings – 100% insectivorous – small crickets/hoppers, mealworms and waxworms + some salad*

Juvenile/sub adult – 50% herbivorous/50% insectivorous –eg. mixed salad leaves, dandelions, watercress, rocket, nasturtiums  + non citrus fruits.*

Adult – 75% herbivorous as above but can feed adult bearded dragon formula + limited livefood

Use a vitamin supplement like nutrobal or reptivite at least twice weekly on food &/or gutload!  *NO SPINNACH

Skin shedding

Shed skin almost continually, never in one whole piece as snakes do.

Sexing

Male – thicker darker head, pre-femoral pores and swelling beneath the vent.

Female – smaller all over, thinner base of tail and no pre-femoral pores