Jeweled lacertas ( Timon lepidus) are medium-sized, diurnal lizards native to the Iberian Peninsula of Europe, known for their striking appearance and active nature. Their vibrant green coloration, adorned with iridescent blue spots, makes them a captivating reptile to observe. This comprehensive guide provides essential information on jeweled lacerta diet and care, ensuring their health and well-being in captivity.
Understanding Jeweled Lacertas
Jeweled lacertas, also known as ocellated lizards, typically range from 16 to 24 inches in length, with their tails accounting for a significant portion of their body size. While their base color is typically bright green, some individuals may exhibit more brown or gray hues. These lizards are primarily terrestrial but are also skilled climbers, readily utilizing vertical space within their enclosure.
Natural Habitat
In the wild, jeweled lacertas inhabit open, dry landscapes such as meadows, scrubland, woodland, arable areas, and sandy sites. They can also be found in vineyards and olive groves, seeking shelter in brushy areas, rabbit burrows, or gaps in stone walls. As burrowing reptiles, they create their own underground shelters.
Housing Your Jeweled Lacerta
Providing an appropriate enclosure is crucial for the health and well-being of your jeweled lacerta.
Enclosure Size
A single adult jeweled lacerta should be housed in an enclosure no smaller than 48"L x 24"W x 24"H (approximately 120 gallons). While this is the minimum requirement, providing a larger enclosure with more vertical and floor space is highly recommended to encourage activity and natural behaviors. Even juvenile lacertas can be housed in an adult-sized enclosure, provided they have ample hiding places to feel secure.
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Enclosure Type
The enclosure should be well-ventilated and secure, preventing escapes and protecting the lizard from potential predators. Lacertas can also be kept in outdoor enclosures for part of the year if the local climate and weather are safe for the species. Outdoor enclosures must have wire mesh covering all sides, including the bottom, with the bottom frame extending at least six inches underground to prevent digging. A fully sheltered area should also be included to protect the lizard from the elements.
Substrate
Jeweled lacertas are active burrowers and require a substrate that allows them to dig and create shelters. A substrate layer of at least 4 inches deep is recommended.
Substrate Options
- DIY Mix: A mixture of 40% untreated topsoil, 40% sand, and 20% excavator clay is an excellent option. Ensure the topsoil is free of fertilizers, manure, or perlite/vermiculite. Mix the components well, soak until muddy, pack firmly at the bottom of the enclosure, and allow it to dry completely before introducing the lizard.
- Commercial Substrates: Pre-packaged substrates can also be used, but may require adjustments to achieve the desired consistency. Recommended commercial substrates include:
- Zoo Med ReptiSoil
- The Bio Dude Terra Sahara
- Josh's Frogs Desert BioBedding
Environmental Enrichment
Enrichment is crucial for keeping jeweled lacertas mentally stimulated and preventing boredom. Providing a variety of objects for them to interact with encourages natural behaviors and reduces stress.
Essential Enrichment Items
- Hides: Provide at least one humid hide in the cooler end of the enclosure, filled with sphagnum moss or coconut fiber and misted regularly to maintain high humidity. Additional hides and burrowing opportunities should be provided throughout the enclosure.
- Branches/Logs/Cork: Large branches, hollow logs, and cork bark offer climbing opportunities and vary the terrain.
- Rocks/Slate: Rocks and stacked slate add a naturalistic appeal and can be placed near the heat source to create additional basking spots.
- Plants: Both live and artificial foliage can enhance the enclosure. Live plants should be non-toxic to reptiles, while artificial plants should be sanitized before use.
- Background: A background covering three sides of the enclosure can provide additional climbing opportunities and enhance the lizard's sense of security.
Enrichment Activities
Jeweled lacertas are intelligent and food-motivated, making food-based puzzle toys and target training excellent sources of mental and physical stimulation.
Cohabitation
Jeweled lacertas are generally solitary animals and are happiest living alone. They can be aggressive with other lacertas and may compete for food. Housing multiple lacertas in the same enclosure is not recommended, especially for beginners.
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Considerations for Cohabitation
- Sex: If cohabitation is attempted, it should only be done with mixed-sex pairs (male and female). Same-sex pairs can exhibit bullying behavior, leading to stress and injury.
- Breeding: Cohabitating pairs may breed, requiring preparation for egg removal, culling, and disposal if breeding is not desired.
- Enclosure Size: A minimum enclosure size of 4’x2’x2’ is required for a compatible pair, with larger enclosures being preferable.
Temperature and Lighting
Maintaining proper temperature and lighting gradients is essential for the health and well-being of jeweled lacertas.
Temperature
- Basking Spot: Provide a basking spot with a temperature of 95°F (35°C), measured with a digital probe thermometer placed on the basking surface.
- Cool Side: Maintain a cooler side of the enclosure with temperatures between 75-85°F (24-29°C).
- Nighttime: Ensure the enclosure temperature does not drop below 70°F (21°C) at night.
Heating
Use halogen heat lamps clustered together on one side of the enclosure to create a basking spot. Avoid using ceramic heat emitters (CHEs), heat mats, red bulbs, or blue bulbs, as they are not as effective.
Lighting
- UVB Lighting: Jeweled lacertas require UVB light for vitamin D3 synthesis, calcium metabolism, and overall health. Provide a 10-12% UVB output T5 lamp, such as an Arcadia or Zoo Med linear fluorescent tube. The lamp should be roughly half the length of the enclosure and placed on the same side as the heat lamps.
- Daylight Lamp: Supplement UVB with a strong 6500K LED or T5 HO fluorescent plant grow light to ensure the enclosure is brightly illuminated, promoting activity, appetite, and mental health.
- Light Cycle: Maintain a consistent light cycle of 9.5 hours of light per day during winter and 15 hours of light per day during summer.
Distance and Mesh
The distance between the UVB lamp and the basking platform is crucial for providing the correct amount of UVB. If the UVB lamp is mounted over mesh, the basking area should be 13-15 inches below the lamp. If the UVB lamp is mounted inside the enclosure, the basking area should be 17-18 inches below the lamp.
Humidity
Jeweled lacertas thrive in moderate humidity levels between 35-75%. Providing a humid hideout or burrow is essential for maintaining proper hydration and scale health. Misting the enclosure regularly can help maintain humidity levels.
Diet and Nutrition
Jeweled lacertas are primarily insectivorous, requiring a diet consisting mainly of insects. However, they also consume fruits and vegetation in the wild.
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Insect Diet
Offer a variety of live insects, such as:
- Crickets
- Superworms
- Hornworms
- Dubia roaches
- Mealworms
- Waxworms
- Silkworms
- Snails
Fruits and Vegetables
Supplement the insect diet with occasional servings of fruits such as:
- Strawberries
- Peaches
- Mangoes
- Bananas
- Pears
- Apples
Feeding Schedule
Feed jeweled lacertas daily, offering as much food as they can consume in one day. Remove any uneaten food, especially live insects, from the enclosure.
Supplementation
Dust feeder insects with a calcium and vitamin supplement, such as Repashy Calcium Plus LoD, to prevent deficiencies.
Water
Provide a small water bowl where the lizard can always access fresh water.
Handling
Jeweled lacertas can be skittish and may not appreciate handling in the same way as some other pets. However, with patience and gentle handling, they can become more accustomed to human interaction.
Handling Techniques
- Approach the lizard from the side and scoop from below, supporting as much of its body as possible, especially its feet.
- Avoid grabbing the lizard from above, as this can trigger a fear response.
- Start with short handling sessions and gradually increase the duration as the lizard becomes more comfortable.
- Handle the lizard inside the enclosure initially, allowing it to come to you whenever possible.
Quarantine
When you first bring your new jeweled lacerta home, you will need to quarantine for at least 1 month. Paper towels are the best substrate for quarantine, as they can be frequently replaced and make it easier to observe feces and other potential health issues. Paper towels should be fully replaced at least once a week and any soiled areas must be replaced daily. If you already have other reptiles in your home, you should extend the quarantine period to 3 months, keep the enclosure in a separate room if possible, and make sure not to share any tools or decor between your new lacerta and other pets, unless fully sanitized between each use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for maintaining a hygienic and odor-free enclosure.
Non-Bioactive Enclosures
- Spot-cleaning: Perform daily spot-cleaning to remove uneaten food, feces, urates, and contaminated substrate.
- Disinfection: Scrub soiled surfaces, food dishes, and water dishes with reptile-safe disinfectant and rinse at least weekly.
- Substrate Replacement: Completely remove and replace the substrate every 4-6 months, depending on the diligence of spot-cleaning. Disinfect the enclosure during substrate changes.
Bioactive Enclosures
Bioactive enclosures require less maintenance, with cleaning primarily involving watering plants, adding biodegradables, and feeding the cleanup crew (CUC). Spot-cleaning may still be necessary for urates and soiled surfaces. Substrate does not need to be replaced in bioactive setups.