Geographical Region

Native to Yemen and Southern Saudi Arabia

Habitat

Mountainous/forest regions where it spends its day camouflaged in the tree canopy

Colour

Ranging in colour from lime green to all black with terrific patterning of colouration depending on season, mood and time of day

Size

Males are usually 14 – 18-inches in length, can grow up to 24-inches

Females grow up to 12-inches

Captive Environment

36 x 18 x 24 is suitable for an adult, preferable to go bigger. These are to be kept singularly as they become very territorial. Plenty of branches, cork-bark platforms and planting (live of plastic) to allow naturalistic behaviours. Spray daily to allow water droplets to form on plants so the lizards can drink, this also helps raise humidity keeping the environment naturalistic.

Heating

90°F basking temperatures with an overall ambient between 80 - 85°F. Night time temperatures should be allowed to drop by 10°F. Best to heat with a light bulb from outside the environment as this allows for photoperiod as well as basking heat.

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 compact Repti-Glo 5% bulb used in conjunction with a Repti-Glo sunglow reflector bulb (40 – 60w depending on environment size) will do this lizard perfectly.

Photoperiod

Autumn/winter – 12 hours light – 12 hours darkness

Spring/summer – 13 hours light – 11 hours darkness

Feeding

Mainly insectivorous eating a variety including crickets, locusts, mealworms, waxworms, cockroaches and waxmoths. Mustard or collard greens can also be fed. It is essential to use a good vitamin and mineral supplement such as Repton 2 – 3 times weekly.

Sexing

These lizards are sexually dimorphic, the male are generally bigger in overall size, they have a much higher casque and a single spur on each hind leg.