The Dragon-patterned Emerald Lizard, also known as the Dragon Lizard, Jade Salamander, or Jade Lizard, is admired by collectors and reptile enthusiasts for its vibrant green body, slender tail, and dark stripes or spots. Its scales are shiny and emit a charming metallic luster.
Wild emerald lizards primarily inhabit tropical low-altitude humid river valleys in the Mediterranean region, thriving in trees but also adaptable to grasslands, rocky areas, shrubs, and forests. Their diet mainly consists of live insects and vegetables.
When keeping these lizards, consider the following:
1. Provide a suitable living environment: Use a vertical terrarium with dimensions of at least 4 feet wide, 7 feet high, and 2 feet deep to ensure ample space for activity. Include various branches for climbing and resting, and opt for fallen leaves as substrate. Ensure proper ventilation; if the enclosure is sealed, install air holes.
2. They prefer high humidity levels, around 70%, which can be maintained by regular misting or placing a water dish.
3. Maintain appropriate temperature and lighting: Set up a warm slope with one end at around 35 degrees Celsius and the other at 26-28 degrees Celsius.
4. Provide a UV light source to aid in the synthesis of Vitamin D3, promoting calcium absorption and skeletal development.
5. Diet: Primarily feed crickets, grasshoppers, moths, and other insects, with a small amount of small fruits and vegetables as a supplement.
6. Regularly check their health: Observe skin, eyes, and limbs to ensure good health.
