armadillo lizard care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name:Armadillo Lizard
Scientific Name: Cordylus cataphractus
Length:body length is 15-17 inches; the tail is 14-16 inches long
Armadillo Lizards are found in arid rocky areas of South Africa’s W. Cape Province. Armadillo Lizards stay in family
groups, and they will all live in the same rock crevice. The head, body, and club-like tail are all flattened, enabling it
to wriggle easily into rock crevices for shelter. It may also adopt a curious defensive posture when threatened by rolling
itself up like an Armadillo, with its tail tightly held in its jaws, presenting a spiny ring to the predator and protecting
the softer, vulnerable belly area. That's why it’s called the Armadillo Lizard. When the lizards give birth, the babies are
live-born, but do have a thin membranous shell that they need to break through.
Captive Environment:
The terrarium should contain a thick layer of sand and some securely stacked rocks
formed to make crevices into which the lizard can retreat for shade or to hide when stressed, May also use a flat branch laid
along the ground. A small aloe plant or other non-spiny, xerophilic plant may be placed in one corner. Armadillo Lizards need
lots of hiding places. If the rocky area is built up on one end and suitably arranged, it may also be used as a basking area.
Clean substrates frequently and change out sand/ soil type substrates at least monthly.
Lighting:
Full-Spectrum lighting that emits UVB is a must for captive reptiles. Reptiles depend on ultra-violet light to synthesize
vitamin D3, which regulates calcium absorption in the intestine. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet
for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the e
nclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to
ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Temperature:
Daytime temperatures need to be around 86 F, with a basking area up to 120-130 F.There are
several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage
incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When
using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle.
Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a
thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Diet:
consists of a variety of insects, (crickets, mealworms) with larger lizards taking king worms and
mouse pups. Try a variety of plant matter: dark leafy greens, chopped fruits, yellow or orange flowers, etc.
Water:
Provide a small bowl of dechlorinated water. In addition, the substrate should have one area that
does not dry out completely (they lay in this area and take up water through their skin).
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
