Laemanctus longipes
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| Laemanctus longipes | ||||||||||||||
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| Laemanctus longipes Wiegmann, 1834 |
Laemanctus longipes, or the Eastern Casquehead Iguana, is a long, thin lizard from Central America, especially Mexico. It can reach 70 centimeters in length, two thirds of which are made up by a thin tail. Rather slow, it sits on trees and bushes above water courses, licking water drops on leaves and catching insects that walk nearby. Sexual dimorphism is difficult to observe. Males have a somewhat thicker tail root than females, and the hemipenis are sometimes visible when lifting the tail gently. Laemanctus live individually, or in a territory with one male and one to three females. Usually, however, males and females only meet for mating, which can happen several times per year.
[edit] Captivity
These lizards are sometimes bred in captivity, but they are not good terrarium companions for beginners as they quickly and often dehydrate. Daily moisting or a water-dropping system is essential. Temperatures should range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius during day, and between 20 and 23 during night. Humidity should range between 70 and 90%. They are great cricket eaters and should receive at least 4-5 adult crickets every day. They also need UVA and UVB lighting and an additional vitamin and calcium feed once a week.
