Care Guide -Oriental Long tail grass lizards

Can they be Cohabilitated?

Long-tailed lizards are fascinating and highly social creatures. They use unique gestures, such as hand waves, to communicate with one another. During the mating season, males may engage in territorial displays or minor scuffles, but these interactions rarely cause harm. It's crucial, however, to monitor their stress levels during this time. If tensions escalate, consider intervening or providing a larger enclosure to ensure there’s enough territory for all. Based on my experience, I’ve outlined enclosure size recommendations to help you determine a suitable number of lizards per habitat.

An added advantage of keeping long-tailed lizards is their compatibility with cross-species cohabitation. For instance, green anoles, while not native to the same geographical region, thrive under similar environmental conditions. Both species are generally gentle, making them excellent candidates for living together. However, it’s important to monitor their behavior closely during the initial week. Long-tailed lizards tend to be curious and may occasionally bother the anoles during this adjustment period. If your anole is not captive-bred or well-established, I recommend waiting at least six months before attempting cohabitation. Wild-caught specimens often arrive dehydrated, stressed, and with compromised immune systems. Introducing them to a shared enclosure too soon may overwhelm them and lead to fatal complications. Patience and careful observation are key to a successful cohabitation setup.

What size do they get? -

These lizards grow to approximately 30 cm in length, but about three-quarters of their size is made up of their tail. This means they are actually quite small overall. Their tails are slender and gradually taper to a fine point.

When will i see them?

These diurnal lizards are active during the day, often spending their time basking and relaxing together. Throughout the day, they exhibit bursts of energy, whether it’s chasing prey or simply exploring their enclosure. Their speed is remarkable – they can dart out of sight in mere milliseconds. Always stay alert when opening the enclosure, especially if you’re keeping multiple lizards, to ensure they remain safely contained.

Costs to keep

How much will it roughly cost you to keep an individual grass lizard well including the setup and ongoing costs, this does not include unexpected vet bills or the rising cost of products over time.

Used for energy calculation : https://www.sust-it.net/energy-calculator.php

Distribution -

These fascinating creatures are widely distributed across East Asia, as illustrated on the map below. The data is compiled from observations made by users on iNaturalist. Their range extends from China to the western borders of India, and stretches as far south as Indonesia.

Image captured from iNaturalist

Rating (Ease of Care): Moderatly easy - ★★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆

Potential Challenges:

• Wild-caught concerns (majority) - ★★
• Limited documentation - ★
• Escaping tendencies - ★

While these lizards are relatively easy to care for if you provide the right environment, there are a few challenges to keep in mind. Many of them are wild-caught, which can present issues such as parasites, unknown health conditions, or uncertain age. Since they only have a lifespan of 4-5 years, you might unintentionally adopt one that's nearing the end of its life.

Care information is somewhat scarce due to their rarity in the hobby, so finding reliable resources can be tricky. Additionally, they are incredibly fast and agile. Whenever you're opening their enclosure, always ensure you know their exact location—they're escape artists! I once lost one, only to find it a week later lounging inside a bookshelf.

It’s crucial to stay vigilant when handling or interacting with them. Any sudden movements can cause a chain reaction of panic inside the enclosure, which could lead to your lizard escaping. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure a safe and happy environment for your new pet.

Setup Requirements:

To get started, you'll need an arboreal enclosure. In my case, I built one from scratch with dimensions of 75 cm tall, 45 cm wide, and 50 cm deep. The extra depth allowed me to add a foam backing for a more natural appearance. This size provides sufficient space for each of my four inhabitants to have their own hiding spots, while the height enables them to climb and explore, mimicking their natural environment. Below, you'll find examples of terrariums and recommendations for the number of inhabitants they can comfortably accommodate.

Substrate Options and Decor

To maintain optimal humidity, it's essential to use a substrate that retains water effectively. The best options include a coco fiber and topsoil mix or a coco fiber and peat mix. Once the substrate is prepared, consider incorporating live plants into the setup for added decor and enrichment. These plants not only enhance the habitat's visual appeal but also provide climbing opportunities for your lizards, allowing them to explore and utilize the space fully. The more space you fill with vertical and natural elements, the better, as these lizards are exceptional climbers and thrive in enriched, dynamic environments.

Heating and Lighting

Proper heating and lighting are crucial for these animals. A reliable, adjustable lighting setup is essential to meet their needs throughout the year. I recommend using a Zoo Med dual dome system. During the summer, a 25W bulb is sufficient, while in winter, both bulbs may need to be turned on depending on the room temperature. A 10.0 UVB bulb is also necessary, covering at least two-thirds of the cage's top. In their natural habitat, they experience high levels of UV exposure year-round, with peaks reaching between 10-11 UVI.

A basking spot with a temperature of 34-38°C is essential. This can be easily achieved with a 25W bulb combined with arboreal basking platforms. The general temperature gradient outside the basking area should range between 24-30°C to ensure their comfort and health.

At night, temperatures should naturally drop to around 22°C. However, based on my research and observations of their natural ranges, they can tolerate slightly lower temperatures overnight. I will provide more details on this further below.

Through further research into their natural distribution environments, we can observe notable variations in climate across the regions studied. Referring to the chart, you’ll notice that I have selected several key locations within their range, each showcasing diverse environmental conditions. A significant difference lies in their temperature tolerances. For instance, the Mawlaik region experiences temperatures as low as 10°C. However, when examining the average temperatures across all territories during winter, a clearer picture emerges. On average, the lowest temperatures drop to 21.3°C, with daytime highs reaching 30.2°C and nighttime lows settling at 17°C. Based on this data, we can conclude that providing a hot basking spot of approximately 30°C during the day is crucial, while nighttime temperatures should not drop below 17°C during winter. During the summer months, particularly in July, average nighttime temperatures across the regions hover around 25°C, with a minimum recorded in Surakarta at 22°C. For optimal care, maintaining an ambient nighttime temperature of 22-25°C is recommended. Daytime summer temperatures exhibit peak averages of 32.4°C across the five observed locations. Considering the additional heat absorption required for basking, a basking spot temperature of around 34-36°C would be ideal for these lizards' needs.

Diet and Nutrition

These diets are relatively straightforward to maintain. However, since this species cannot be handled for weighing, it can be challenging to monitor their health. Instead, you'll need to gauge their condition by observing the size of their abdomens. Feed them a variety of insects dusted with calcium carbonate supplements containing D3 and vitamin A, along with other multivitamins. Occasionally, you can also offer crested gecko diet as part of their nutrition.

Suggested insects include:

• Small locusts
• Small crickets
• Drosophila hydei fruit flies (larger variety)
• Mealworms
• Waxworms
• Calci worms
• Crested gecko diet

Feed them every 2-3 days, offering 4-8 locusts or crickets per individual. Occasionally, rotate other food items into their diet, such as fruit flies or crested gecko diet. If you anticipate being away for more than a couple of days, you can leave a dish of mealworms dusted with supplements along with their usual diet. While mealworms may not be their favorite due to their lower activity levels, they will nibble on them when other food sources are depleted.

Crested gecko diet also serves as an excellent treat for energy and hydration. To make it more appealing, prepare it in a watery consistency, as this helps provide additional hydration for the animals.

Variety is essential for ensuring optimal health in most reptile species, and this one is no exception. The more diverse their diet, the healthier they will be.

Maintaining proper humidity levels is crucial for this species. Regular misting is required to replicate their natural environment. Mist or spray the enclosure daily or every other day, as they actively drink water droplets from leaves. It’s also a good idea to place a shallow water bowl at the bottom of the enclosure, in case the droplets evaporate before they can drink. Alternatively, consider using a USB-powered water pump with a hose to create a small flowing stream within the enclosure for consistent hydration.

Behaviors

These lizards are absolutely fascinating to observe, showcasing a wide range of unique behaviors that are rarely seen in other species. The ability to keep them in groups is one of the main reasons they stand out and provide such interesting interactions to watch.

In my group of five lizards—three males and two females—it’s easy to differentiate the sexes. The males display more vibrant black and white banding along their bodies, with distinctive white spots above the bands. In contrast, the females have a more subdued, plain brown appearance.

I often observe them engaging in what looks like wave-like gestures to communicate. From what I’ve seen, these signals are used in various situations, such as marking territories or alerting others to resources. They are active hunters, chasing crickets and other insects when available. Sometimes, they’ll even compete by chasing each other to steal food. However, once they’re full, they usually settle down to bask, explore, or hide among leaves.

Territorial disputes, while appearing intense, are typically resolved quickly—within about 30 seconds. These encounters are usually between the males, but due to their small size, they don’t cause significant harm. In my experience, I’ve never seen any blood drawn or physical injuries.

Mating rituals can also seem aggressive at first glance. Males will pursue females, grabbing them just a few centimeters behind the head and holding them in place for around five minutes. Once the act is complete, the male releases the female. During this time, other males may attempt to interfere, but again, these interactions do not result in physical harm.

Occasionally, males may go after each other’s tails, but these encounters are brief, especially if there’s plenty of foliage for them to navigate through. Providing a well-planted enclosure helps minimize conflicts and gives them ample space to retreat if needed.

While this may sound like these behaviors occur daily, I assure you they are relatively rare. Such interactions might happen once a month—if that.

As long as they’re well-fed and have enough hiding spots, they are generally content to coexist peacefully. In fact, they often bask together, sometimes even on top of each other. These lizards are fantastic to keep in groups, as long as you ensure the enclosure is enriched with enough spaces for them to relax or retreat when desired.

Handling

Handling these creatures is generally not recommended due to their skittish nature. When kept in groups, one individual’s nervous behavior can quickly trigger a chain reaction, causing the entire group to panic. This can be especially alarming if they rush toward an open enclosure, potentially leading to escapes. Before opening their enclosure, it’s crucial to locate as many of them as possible, particularly those near the opening, to prevent accidents. Personally, I’ve had only one escape incident, which was the result of my own momentary lapse in focus. When they anticipate feeding, they tend to rush toward the food. If the food happens to be outside their enclosure, any sudden movement of your hand while they’re focused on the food can startle them, creating panic. This isn’t ideal when the enclosure door is open. Due to their small size, they can easily squeeze under doorways or into tiny gaps, making it quite challenging to retrieve them if they escape. There’s a real possibility of losing them permanently in such cases.

That said, handling them isn’t entirely impossible, but it should only be done when absolutely necessary, such as for a health check. If handling is required, gently scoop them up by placing your hand inside the enclosure and guiding them toward the back. Carefully wrap your fingers around their body, using your thumb to secure them just below the neck to prevent escape. Be exceptionally gentle, as they are very delicate and prone to dropping their tails when stressed. Once secured, you can gradually lift your fingers for a closer inspection. After completing the check, gently return them to the enclosure, positioning them to face the back wall. In most cases (99% of the time), they’ll instinctively run or jump forward into the enclosure.

Day and Night Cycle

The region experiences approximately 12 to 13.5 hours of sunlight from dawn to dusk during the summer and about 10.5 to 12 hours in the winter. As shown below across the five locations, the variation in daylight hours is minimal. Many of these areas are situated near the equator, contributing to the consistent day and night cycles.

Common Health Issues:

Unfortunately, most of these lizards are currently wild-caught, which often leads to health problems stemming from their time in the wild. Common issues include parasites and challenges related to their unknown age. Given that these lizards typically have a lifespan of around four years, purchasing a wild-caught specimen means you could unknowingly acquire an older animal with a shorter remaining lifespan. Additionally, their small size and skittish nature can make veterinary visits particularly challenging.

Humidity Requirements:

Maintaining humidity levels between 70-80% is essential and can be achieved by keeping the substrate moist and slightly damp. In the UK, the average humidity is around 60%, so reaching the additional 10-20% is relatively easy. Regular misting—either daily or every other day, depending on conditions—works well to keep your environment adequately hydrated and your plants or organisms thriving.

As shown in the charts below, there are distinct rainy and drier seasons. During the summer months, the chance of precipitation is approximately 60-70%, meaning 4 to 5 days out of 7 typically experience rain. In contrast, the winter months see a significant drop, with precipitation chances ranging between 0-25%, resulting in rain on just 1 to 2 days per week. Based on this, we recommend adjusting your misting schedule accordingly: in the summer, set your spraying device to operate daily or every other day for 30-50 seconds (device-dependent). During the winter, reduce misting to once or twice a week for 30 seconds, with additional light misting of leaves daily to maintain hydration.

Cleaning:

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for the health and well-being of your lizard, as it helps prevent infections and other health issues. Depending on your enclosure setup, regular care is required. A gentle spray of water can help clean feces stuck on live plant leaves. Incorporating isopods and springtails into the enclosure can assist in breaking down organic waste, maintaining a balanced and clean environment. Be sure to remove larger feces regularly and wash the decor periodically to prevent bacterial buildup.

Replace the substrate every three months to prevent the accumulation of toxic waste, or sooner if necessary based on how the enclosure is maintained. For fully bioactive enclosures, these intervals can be extended, as the natural ecosystem will help manage waste more effectively.

Brumation - From my observations, there isn't clear evidence of full brumation in these reptiles. They appear to slow down, bask more frequently, and show reduced activity, but not to the extent of a complete brumation cycle. Based on temperature data, this behavior seems to be region-dependent. In certain areas, nighttime temperatures can drop as low as 10°C within their extended range. However, on average, it seems unlikely that they undergo anything more than a mild or shallow brumation lasting no longer than a month—if they enter brumation at all.

Availability -

While these fascinating lizards are relatively easy to acquire, I would only recommend purchasing them if you aim to contribute to a stronger captive-bred population. Unfortunately, as of 2024, there seems to be a lack of breeders working with these amazing creatures, making their availability more dependent on wild-caught specimens. According to the IUCN Red List, their population is currently stable and classified as "Least Concern." However, if you decide to purchase wild-caught individuals, exercise caution and be prepared for potential challenges, as their lifespan may not always be predictable.

When I purchased mine, they were wild-caught. Unfortunately, one arrived dead, and another had noticeable lumps on its neck, which resembled tumors. Thankfully, that one has been thriving so far. I received a replacement for the deceased lizard, and my group has been doing well for some time now without any major issues.

Another advantage is their affordability. These lizards are reasonably priced, making them a great option for someone seeking a low cost alternitive to other lizards.

References-

Gallery -

Enjoy The Guide, have some feedback, feel free to comment and rate below.