By Frilled lizards are fascinating reptiles native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea. This unique lizard is known for its impressive frill, which stretches from the head to the shoulders, and its ability to run on its hind legs when threatened. In this comprehensive care sheet and species profile, we will cover everything you need to know about frilled lizard care, including housing, heating, lighting, decoration, diet, supplements, breeding, and cleaning.
Table of Contents
Natural History
Frilled lizards are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees, and are found in humid climates like tropical savannah woodlands. These lizards are well-camouflaged when their frill is relaxed, but when surprised or threatened, they can spread their frill and run quickly on their hind legs. Their diet consists mainly of insects and small lizards.
Housing
Frilled lizards require a warm environment, as they are not well-suited to colder climates. A wooden vivarium measuring at least 4 x 2 x 3 feet with large vents and glass sliding front doors is recommended. This provides ample ventilation to maintain the temperature gradient needed for the lizard’s health.
For juvenile frilled lizards, it is essential to provide a more densely decorated enclosure and gradually remove decorations as the lizard grows. This helps to minimize stress and create a comfortable environment.
Heating
Frilled lizards are basking species that require a warm basking area of 100°F during the day. To achieve this, a strong basking lamp should be attached to the ceiling of the enclosure on one side, controlled by a dimming thermostat to maintain consistent temperatures. The basking lamp should be left on for 10-12 hours per day.
At night, all lights should be turned off to ensure a clear day-night cycle. The enclosure should remain dark, but the temperature should not drop below 80°F. A ceramic lamp attached to the ceiling in the back corner of the enclosure can provide this warmth without emitting light. This lamp should be surrounded by a guard and controlled by a pulse thermostat to maintain the correct temperature.
To monitor temperatures, it is best to use a thermometer. A simple dial thermometer on each side of the enclosure is sufficient, but digital probe thermometers provide more accurate readings.
UVB Lighting
Frilled lizards need semi-intense UVB lighting due to their basking nature and the partial cover they receive from the canopy and jungle plants. A 10% UV tube running at least 2/3 the length of the enclosure is recommended. Depending on the height of the enclosure, a stronger lamp may be necessary.
UV tubes are available in T8 and T5 sizes. T8 lamps are around 1 inch in diameter and must be replaced every 6 months, with an effective range of 9-12 inches. T5 lamps are around half an inch in diameter, last 12 months, and have an effective range of 18-24 inches.
For taller enclosures, T5 units are recommended. These should be mounted to the ceiling and close to the back wall, providing a UV gradient from the back to the front and top to bottom of the enclosure.
Decoration
Frilled lizards thrive in environments with absorbent decorations for climbing and basking. For bedding, a coarse bark woodchip is recommended, as it is clean, cheap, easy to spot clean, and dust-free. Alternatively, a soil/moss mix can provide a more natural appearance.
To enable the lizard to get up and around its enclosure, a network of absorbent oak and troncho branches should be used in combination with grapevine or liana pieces. Natural rocks like slate and heavy artificial ornaments can provide secondary belly heat when placed under and around the basking area. However, it is essential to monitor the surface temperature of these decorations to prevent burns.
Providing full and partial hiding spots throughout the enclosure allows the lizard to escape the light when needed. Examples of full cover decorations include caves, flat cork pieces, or ornaments that provide shade. Partial cover can be achieved with tall plants, trailing plants, and themed ornaments.
Diet & Water
Frilled lizards are omnivorous, but their diet primarily consists of insects and small lizards. In captivity, live insects such as brown crickets, black crickets, and locusts are recommended. Occasional treats can include waxworms, calciworms, cockroaches, mealworms, or beetle grubs.
A large water bowl should be provided in the enclosure, even if the lizard is not frequently seen drinking from it. The water bowl can also be used for bathing, which helps the lizard cool down or loosen shedding skin.
Supplements
Frilled lizards require additional vitamins and minerals in their diet, which can be provided through calcium and vitamin powders dusted onto live food. Supplements come in several forms, including pure calcium, calcium and vitamin mixtures, and vitamin-only powders. Some supplements also include or exclude synthetic vitamin D3, which helps the lizard utilize calcium in its diet.
In most cases, alternating between a calcium powder with D3 and a balanced multi-vitamin with D3, such as Nutrobal, is recommended. This ensures the lizard receives vitamins every other day and calcium daily.
Breeding
Frilled lizards can breed if kept in pairs, and this process happens naturally when conditions are favorable. It is essential to consider the implications of breeding before introducing a pair, as you will need to make plans for the offspring.
A gravid female should have access to a nesting box to lay her eggs. The box should be filled with a moist soil mix, like ProRep Spider Life. Once laid, the eggs should be incubated at 84°F in sealed boxes on a moisture-rich substrate for approximately 60 days.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is essential for the health of your frilled lizard. Spot cleaning should be performed daily, with a full clean every four weeks. During a full clean, remove the lizard, decorations, and bedding before spraying the enclosure with a reptile-friendly disinfectant. Wipe the surfaces with a paper towel and repeat the process if needed.
Decorations can be cleaned similarly by spraying them with disinfectant, rinsing thoroughly, drying, and returning them to the enclosure. This process should be done during the daytime to ensure the lizard returns to a warm vivarium before the basking lamps are turned off.
By following this comprehensive care sheet and species profile, you can provide the best possible environment for your frilled lizard. Proper housing, heating, lighting, decoration, diet, supplements, breeding, and cleaning are all essential aspects of responsible pet ownership. With the right care, your frilled lizard can thrive and provide an intriguing and enjoyable addition to your home.