Common Name: Yellow Throated Plated Lizard
Scientific Name: Gerrhosaurus flavigularis
Adult Size: up to 18 inches
These lizards are native to the dry, rocky, semi-open habitats of Southern and Eastern Africa. Their powerfully-built bodies are only slightly flattened. The neck is not well differentiated from the head. The tail is typically twice the length of the body. They become tame quickly and make good pet lizards.
Captive Environment: A 20-gallon aquarium is the minimum size recommended for these lizards, though larger is often is recommended, at least 30-50 gallon. This gives you enough room to house a couple of skinks. Larger enclosures allow for more room and more natural behaviors. Smaller or overcrowded enclosures lead to stress and reduced activity. Set up a mostly arid tank with three to four inches of clean sand for a substrate. In one area, mix the sand with small reptile bark, shreds, or shredded coconut husks, to provide an area which will hold moisture and provided a more humid microhabitat. Furnish the enclosure with bark slabs or branches for basking and supported rock structures for basking on and burrowing under; if rocks are not supported, they may sink and crush a lizard that has burrowed beneath it.
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 should never be used as an enclosure top. 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 should range between 86?-92?F; Nighttime temperatures should be no lower than 68?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.
Food: These skinks are considered omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. They should be offered a variety of items including crickets, mealworms, earthworms, superworms, waxworms, and pink mice can be offered may also eat canned Monitor/ Tegu food. Also plant matter should be offered twice to three times a week. Items that are suitable include kale, collard greens, legumes, carrots, squash, mashed fruits can be offered.
Water: A large bowl of clean de-chlorinated water should always be available. Clean the bowl daily or more often if needed.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
