Agama - Butterfly

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Butterfly Runner, Butterfly Lizard Scientific Name: Leiolepis belliana

Basic Info

The Butterfly Agama can reach 20 inches, or 50 centimeters in length. They have a slightly flattened body and a rounded head. Their tail is long and characterized by slightly keeled scales. The scales on the body are very small and resemble grains of sand. They lack a crest and gular pouch, although they do exhibit a wide gular fold. Femoral pores are present on the males. The back of the Butterfly Agama is gray or olive green, and the sides are yellow or red with black stripes.

Health

The Butterfly Agama should be kept in an arid enclosure with deep substrate so they can dig. The temperature should be between about 85 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) during the day with a basking area about 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). The temperature should be lowered at night by about 10 (Fahrenheit) degrees.They should always have access to plenty of fresh water. Breeding These lizards are reported to be strictly monogamous. They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.

Habitat

Butterfly Agama prefers to live in arid, open regions.

Behavior

The Butterfly Agama has recently become more popular as a pet, however, not much is known about their behavior in their natural environment. Native to Vietnam and other areas in Asia, the Butterfly Agama prefers to live in arid, open regions. They are terrestrial lizards, meaning that they live on the ground rather than in the trees. They often make their homes in deep burrows, which they dig themselves. In captivity they do well on a diet of insects, including crickets. Some fruits and vegetables may also be given as a treat. Some individuals may eat more of these than others. Their main diet, hwoever, should consist of insects.

Origin

Asia

History

The Butterfly Agama is one of many lizards of which very little is known. They are native to Thailand, Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Common Foods

The Butterfly Agama is an insectivore, although they will eat plants if necessary. It has been reported that the Butterfly Agama is monogamous.