Emerald Swift Lizards
Maximum length: 6-8 inches
Approximate life span: 3-5 years
Country of Species origin: Panama and Central America
General Information
The Emerald Swift belongs to a family of quick (hence the name swift) moving and very colorful spiny keel scaled lizards that primarily inhabit tropical, sub tropical and forested areas in Central America. The males are colored more obviously with bright greens and blues, while females are duller in coloration with mostly dark greens, brown, and gray.
Enclosure
The enclosure should be more vertically oriented with a lot of climbing surfaces and vegetation to hide in. 10 to 20 gallons per animal is recommended which will allow ample room for them to move away from each other if needed.
Substrate
Emerald Swift lizards are primarily an arboreal species but do like to burrow into the substrate, so a loose easily cleaned soil like substance is preferred. Coconut Fiber or Shredded Coconut Husk as bedding, but cypress mulch and Douglas fir bark and sphagnum moss blends will also work well.
Temperature and Humidity
These lizards come from a tropical atmosphere and so need a higher humidity of about 65-80% to feel comfortable. Temperatures should be in the upper to mid 80’s throughout the enclosure with a basking spot of 95 degrees. This species is diurnal, so full spectrum lighting with UVA/ UVB producing bulbs is necessary for over all health.
Heating
Emerald Swifts spend most of their time in trees or other vegetation. They will not use heat rocks or under tank heat mats. They would benefit more from a heat lamp and bulb that would keep not only their basking spot hot, but also the air in the rest of the enclosure warm. This will help your Swift to stay comfortable as well as keep them from getting respiratory infections do to improper heating.
Lighting
Full spectrum lighting, with a source for UVA/ UVB light is necessary to stimulate the uptake of calcium and nutrients.
Food and Water
Emerald Swift lizards are an obligate carnivore, eating mostly insects and other small lizards. They will readily take crickets in captivity as well as mealworms and small roaches. They should receive a quality calcium supplement in addition to their regular food. Provide fresh water every day.
Recommended Items
10-20 gallon sized enclosure per animal
Heat lamp and bulbs
UVA and UVB Bulbs
Substrate and hide away box or log
Water dish
Calcium/mineral supplement
Wood and other vegetation to climb on
Thermometer and Humidity Gauges