Curly Tailed Lizard

Haitian Curly Tailed Lizard

Leiocephalus species

Description

Curly-tailed lizards are so named due to their habit of curling their tail above their body in a spring like fashion when disturbed. Curly-tailed lizards also use their tail as a distraction to predators by twitching it rapidly and for fighting. There are 28 described species (although eight of them are now extinct due to loss of habitat) of curly-tailed lizard and dozens of subspecies. The majority of those found in the pet trade are Leiocephalus carinatus armouri or Leiocephalus schreibersii schreibersii both of which have become established in Florida. Curly-tailed lizards as a genus are quite variable in appearance, but are usually strongly built with bronze, brown, or gray as a dominant color, often interlaced with black and/or gold spots, blotches or lines. Some species have iridescent blue-green or red/rust colors on their dorsum and flanks. Some species grow to more than a foot long (30 centimeters), but usually adult males are about ten inches long (25 centimeters), with females usually an inch an a half shorter. They can live more than ten years.

Natural Habitat

Curly-tailed lizards are terrestrial and semi-arboreal, diurnal and sun-loving. They are native to the West Indies, and representative species are or were found on almost all of the islands. They are found in rocky terrain, sandy beaches, scrub, open forests and in urban debris and rubble piles. They predominantly inhabit areas where it is hot and dry.

Artificial Habitat

Curly-tailed lizards are robust, fast moving lizards that enjoy the ability to run and climb. An ideal habitat will afford them these opportunities; it should be horizontally-oriented, at least 2 feet long and at least 10 inches wide (60 centimeters long and at least 25 centimeters wide). The substrate should be sand, loam, or a similar substrate and should be about an inch deep. Rocks and/or sticks should be used to create climbing, basking and hiding areas. Curly-tailed lizards like to bask and require a basking spot with a surface temperature of at least 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with a thermal gradient that allows for a 10-15 degree drop. Nighttime temperatures should not drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. As diurnal lizards, they also need UV lighting and should be provided with 8-10 hours of UV exposure. This can be accomplished by using a UV bulb in conjunction with a basking light or by using one of the many commercially available spotlights that incorporate UV. The habitat should be well ventilated and dry. A small bowl of water should be provided.

Diet

Curly-tailed lizards are mostly carnivorous but will also eat some buds, flowers and fruits. Their principle food should be a variety of insects including crickets, mealworms, superworms, wax worms, roaches and other small arthropods. They will also eat red worms. As with all reptiles and amphibians, a varied diet is essential to the lizard’s health. Prey items should be dusted with a calcium and mineral supplement every other feeding.

Caveats

Adult male curly-tailed lizards are fiercely territorial and should not be housed together.

Curly-tailed lizards can be lightning quick, and are not good lizards for handling. Care should also be taken to prevent escape whenever opening the enclosure.

Although they can tolerate high humidity, they require a dry captive environment.