They produce large, live young, which is a real plus if you are considering breeding and are diurnal (but shy). Girdled Lizards need UVB radiation Leopards, being nocturnal, do not (they absorb Vit. That being said, Leopard Geckos are among the most tolerant of all lizards as regards handling. None respond to it as would a tame mammal best to choose a species based on interest and ability to provide proper care. Some individuals eventually tolerate handling, but please bear in mind that “tolerate” is the key word when speaking about any reptiles.

Girdled Lizards, usually sold as Armadillo Lizards, reach about 7.5 inches in length and usually remain quite shy they do best in large terrariums where they can be observed w/o disturbance. Over the last several years I have helped to set up new reptile and amphibian exhibit areas for The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT (long known for its excellent collection of native marine life). Two subspecies of tropical Girdled Lizards appear in the pet trade to help determine which you have, and for a key to other species in the genus, please see this reference. The hatchling pictured here, born at the Maritime Aquarium in Connecticut, is one of a litter of 2 – their total mass seemed to be nearly half that of their mother. Girdled Lizards give birth to 1-4 huge live youngsters. While not bold, they are no as retiring as most related species, and are relatively easy to observe. When kept properly, these southeast African natives may reward you by reproducing, always a thrill for responsible herp keepers (judging from the size of the young, the event is less thrilling for the moms – please see below!). cataphractus, which is no longer exported from South Africa, is one of the shyest reptiles I’ve ever encountered. Tropical Girdled Lizards in Captivityĭon’t let their inexpensive price tag mislead you – Tropical GirdledLlizards are no less interesting in appearance or behavior than their pricey cousins. It also occasionally appears under the name “East African Spiny-tailed Lizard”. It is sometimes sold as the “Armadillo Lizard”, confusing purchasers who had in mind another (and, at $1,200+ each, vastly more expensive!) species with the same common name, C.

The Tropical Girdled Lizard ( Cordylus tropidosternum) is the most readily available of the 30+ Cordylus species, and offers an excellent introduction to the group.

Armadillo lizard care