Hi, I'm new to these forumsand new to lizards in general, hopefully any advice I can get won't be too late for my whiptail. I have had my whiptail for about 2 months. Unfortuately I haven't been able to find much information about him on the web, and likewise couldn't find any books on Cnemidophorus species. It doesn't help that he was labled as a "rainbow lizard" at the pet store where I bought him, and they didn't have any information on him. I have no idea his exact species, though I think he might be a C. neomexicanus from a brief description I found in a guide book.
Anyway, maybe a week ago his behavior rapidly changed. He no longer burrows as he did before, instead staying out constantly. Before, when he was out, he would be alert, with his eyes open, since he was hunting. Now he only opens his eyes if disturbed, and instead lies around listlessly. When disturbed, he seems to be just as strong as before, able to grip objects as well and crawl just as fast. He usually played dead when picked up, the only time he acted like this before.
I'm worried it was the tank he was in before (I moved him today) the substrate was probably too moist for him (since I'm not sure of the species I can't really tell) and the presence of my house gecko may have startled him. (In the store he was housed with house geckos, so I foolishly assumed he wouldn't be stressed by thier pressence.) so he may have gotten sick.
He hasn't lost any weight as far as I can tell, but he also doesn't apear to be eating. I leave very small crickets in with him, in the hopes that he will eat when I am not around, and he does defecate a little, but i don't think he is eating enough.
Just to let you know, the house gecko seems to be fine, just as fat as ever, so if my whiptail is sick his former tankmate din't catch the bug, or is completely asymptomatic.
If you have any idea what the problem may be, please offer any advice you can.