Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am the new owner of a desert spiny (Sceloporus magister). One of my co-workers got her at the at the prison dairy at the Lompoc penitentiary. This is pretty far out of range, but they have a milk truck that makes regular trips down to Arizona, so she probably hitch hiked here. Since I have no idea where she originated from, releasing her isn't really an option. Luckily, she seems to be adapting well to captivity and is enjoying the crickets that regularly fall from the sky She's showing some orange on the top of the head and eye lids, does this mean that she's likely gravid or just in breeding condition? I've also read that they'll take some plant material in addition to insects, does anyone know what kind of veggies they like and how often they should be offered? Do these guys need water (I haven't seen her drink yet)? Will they learn to drink form a bowl or do they need to be misted? If she is gravid, what kind of set-up is she going to need in order to lay her eggs?

Thanks!
Alice

If you can post a pic of the spiny, I can give you all the information you need. Right down to the locality. Some localiities have really colorful males and females. Normally females dont show color after breeding only before. If they did, it would be stress coloration. Due to Complications, or change in environment. In spiny's the male are the colorful ones, and males are what the taxonomist go by to determine subspecies. If you have anymore questions please feel free to email me. mtnsnakeman@excite.com

Hope this helps,
Gary C.

She's fairly drab compared to a lot of the females I've seen. She has the faint orange on the eyelids and top of the head and a bit of blue on her upper back. She seems to be going into a shed so she's pretty dingy right now and it's hard to see her markings. I'll try to get some pics posted once she cleans up.

Do you know if they take plant matter regularly and if they have any favorites?

-Alice