Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I noticed my baby DHLs wagging their tails before stiking food, similar to what leopard geckos and (occasionally) bearded dragons do. Have you also noticed this behavior? under what circumstances, and how often, did it occur? any possible explainations? i find it very interesting that several animals from different continents but occupying similar niches would share such a seemingly arbitrary behavior, and i am looking to do research in this direction.

thanks-
-kyle
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Edited on December 20, 2003 at 19:40:41 by phwyvern.

The tail wagging is completely normal. They even shake their heads sometimes upon catching prey. I don't know much about why other species would share this behaviour, but maybe some of the other forum members will be able to answer that one.

Daniel

Cable's Ant Farm for the best quality ants that your HL needs.

Do HLs also display this behavior when confronting another HL, as do Leos and Beardeds?
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Edited on December 20, 2003 at 19:38:41 by phwyvern.

I mainly notice this when HLs stock prey other than ants, either it is excitement or perhaps it takes the attention away from the mouth area and diverts it to the tail making the insects easier to catch. Although ,on occasion, I have noticed this during reproductive activity indicating it would be excitement.

I agree that it is probably excitement, because I have noticed that my HL wags his tail when stressed (like when I take him out to clean the tank, or after an ant bites him).