Geographical Region

Afghanistan, NW India and Pakistan

Habitat

Semi arid areas, rocky outcrops and animal burrows

Colour

Various colour morphs are now available, normally yellow background with black spots

Size

Up to 8 – 9-inches, females are generally smaller

Captive Environment

18l x 15d x 15h inches minimum for a single adult

24l x 15d x 15h inches minimum for an adult pair

Dry substrate- we use aspen or hemp bedding, or megazorb as this allows natural burrowing behaviour and reduces the risk of compaction. Provide hides at both ends of the environment as well as a small water bowl.  Plastic plants are added extras but are not essential.

Heating/lighting requirements

Ambient temperature between 78 - 84°F, warmer at one end to offer a temperature gradient to allow thermoregulation. Active at dawn and dusk but will become more active during the day if fed or handled. These do not require ultraviolet lighting, but a 25w Exo-Terra sunglo bulb will give them not only a basking area, but also the UVA rays given off will enhance their colouration as well as their metabolism.

Always use a thermometer to check temperatures at the hot and cool end, and provide a humid hide to help with skin shedding.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 10 hours light – 14 hours dark

Spring/summer – 12 hours light – 12 hours dark

Feeding

Hatchlings – small crickets/locusts, mealworms, occasional wax worms – vary as much as possible

As the lizard grows, introduce bigger sized food

Use a vitamin supplement on livefood such as Repton & gutload all food before offering

Skin shedding

These lizards usually shed skin in one go; they will become dull in appearance. They tear the skin off and sometimes eat it all.

Sexing

Females are generally smaller in size and have a thinner base of the tail, no pre-femoral pores

Males are much bigger in size, have a thick base of the tail, femoral pores and hemi-penal swelling