Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I recently won two Japalura sp. in a raffle, and was wondering if anyone had any thing to offer regarding their care and sexing.

Most of the sites I have found are old and/or contradictory.

However, from what I have gathered, room temp, UVB light, arboreal setup, high humidity, high ventilation.

I have a 3.5'x16" rubermaid tub that I will be standing up, to provide a tall enclosure. I will be replacing two of the sides (front and top) with screen.

Also, I will be providing a basking area, will a small wattage bulb, because I believe thermoregulation is critical in proper herptile husbandry, and often overlooked by large breeders or those with heated "reptile rooms."

Show us some pictures! I have been curious about these but haven't seen any live yet. And let us know about your experiences as they settle in. I have a Bronchocela cristatella which is a species that is supposedly very shy and hard to keep and I would say that is not a deserved reputation, although it may be true for some individuals. I had two and one did die that had laid two clutches of eggs, the remaining one has always been quite forward coming and when I have it on my hand it drinks water drops and is very calm to handle. I will be interested to hear what the Japalura are like.

Is anyone familiar with the ones being offered for sale on Kingsnake. Those are also Japalura polygonata. Any info on them.

I have J. polygonata and J. chapaensis( splendida?).A male of the first one looks like a small version of female Bronchocela cristatella, but not so bright green. Both species are not agressive and not shy.J.polygonata seem to be a little more arboreal and a little less nerveous.
Both species are very nice.
Alex

Hello, I have six of them, I am new to them as well, though I do have a bit more information that most I think.

Rather than room temp, I would allow them a basking site that gets up to around 90, with the rest of the cage going from 80 down to 70 in the coolest spots.

I will post pictures tonight of mine and how I have them setup.

Phil

Thanks, what I meant by room temp, was the ambient temp. I have a basking spot of about 90-95 for them.

The lizards certainly look healthy. Just one point of information. you may want to consider having some system for moving water as opposed to a dish containing water. Big difference. Also, let them hunt for their food prey rather than provide a bowl for that as well. Because they are arboreal, You may even try some exotic fruit baby food to see if they will lick any of it. Tree dwelling lizards may lap up juices from broken fruits for their nurishments on trees. Just a suggestion. JERRY

Here are a couple pics of mine

another

setup

Nice. One of them did not make it, but the other is thriving. I have the cage heavily ventilated, and mist 3 times a day. He or she is devouring dusted crickets and freshly molted superworms. I only have a shallow dish, as it prefers to drink when I mist it.

Any clue on sexing?

Mine also responds heavily to UVB. The moment I installed it, despite the incandescent heat bulb, heads perked up, body posture changed, and eyes shut, continuing to bask.

I would say UVB is defiantly appropriate for this species.