Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i tried probing my g. validus, one side said male...while the other said female? does probing work on lizards as well as snakes? if not how do i sex them without injections? any info is greatly appreciated

First off let me say I am very against probing in lizards-if done improperly or done at all to certain species you can really injure the animal, and in lots of lizards it is not an accurate way to determine sex.
With G. validus, the only visible cues are a slightly smaller size for adult females, and males during breeding can get a bit of slight pink on their chin and stomache. Other than that the sexes appear identical.
They arent very antagonistic towards individuals of the same sex in an appropriately sized enclosure though, so sex determination isnt really that important. If you want to breed them get a group of them, its going to be the only reliable way to get both sexes. But for God's sake stop probing them.
Paul

Paul -

I agree whole heartedly being against probing. The only exception I would make is if an EXPERIENCED individual was probing the animal. I've heard of far too many people injuring their animals when probing.

i had a state biologist/herper probe him!

I always question people who are quick to probe lizards. Regardless of this persons experience or profession, you should ask them how much they know about gerrhosaurids before blindly acceptng their word or methods. Just because a person is an expert in, say, condors doesnt mean he or she will know how to get rid of the blue jays in your yard.
I again will say I am against probing lizards, as a blanket statement. Its a real good thing this isnt the monitor forum, you would have been on the spit and over the flames already
Cheers.
Paul

aight have you ever breed them, cuzz they wont do it if they are all living together....so do you have any help on that?
thnx

No, I have never bred (or attempted to) G.validus, although if I were to ever recieve a sexual pair in a rescue and they had eggs I wouldnt be against raising them.
By the way, it has been documented that validus will breed even when in the presence of other gerrhosaurids. Sucessfully, too, and on a few occasions at least. So they do not need to be alone.

Probing is not accurate in any of the plated lizard species due to the anatomy and strenght of muscles in the tail and clocal area. Sexual maturity is around 4 years old. Depending on if they are imports or captive bred animals will have definate impact on their breeding season. Seasonal barometric pressure and humidity in the US in opposite of Africa & Madagascar. Imports take a year or two to aclimate. When your breeding groups are ready, both species will have waxy secretions from the femoral pores. Females smaller pores with bulb like secretion, males with larger pores and long secretions. These secretions produce scents which attract females in the breeding season.
I have used 3" aspen substrate with cork bark rounds & flats for setup, with spot lights and two UV florescent lights the length of cage. A rubbermaid box containing soil & sand mix with moss as a nest box.