Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,
I'm trying to develop a pretty accurate list of which reptiles need UV light and which reptiles don't. I've read quite a few different opinions on the matter. Without getting into the specific of UVA vs. UVB I was wondering what you guys think.

Which reptiles need UV? Which reptiles don't need UV?

I'd appreciate any personal opinions or reccomended reading on the subject. Thanks!
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Jesse Rothacker
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This question is a catch 22. There are plenty of reptiles that benefit from UVB lighting and or UVA. Basically all basking herps will have some benefit such as improved mood, breeding behavor, increased immune response, and some, that are herbavores and don't get enough dietary D3, are more dependant on the UVB for D3 synthesis, such as green iguanas, But do they require it? Thats debateable. Studies have shown that dietary D3 suppilements are effective, so one could argue that UV is not required. Secondly, you should distinguish between artifical and a natural source, i.e natural sunlight. UVB from artifical sources are unreliable, in most cases the bulbs don't produce the necessary spectrum as they claim or only within 12-18 inches of the bulb, and then only for short period of the bulbs life. Personally I would recommend UVA and UVB exposure to all basking herps, but I wouldn't recomend artifical light source, don't waste your money, get a D3/calcium suppliment instead.

Snakes do not require it. As the other post suggests, they may very well get some benefit from it. But many, if not most, snake owners are doing just fine without it.

Clearly many of the other reptiles do need it. I am not very well versed in these others, although I know that iguanas need it. While some turtles seem to require it, I am fairly confident that snappers can do without. Feel free to correct me on this if you know otherwise. Duffy