There are 4 species of Leiolepis currently available in captivity; Leiolepis guttata (Giant Butterfly Agama); Leiolepis belliana (Common Butterfly Agama); Leiolepis ngovantrii (Parthenogenetic Butterfly Agama); and Leiolepis rubritaeniata (Red-Banded Butterfly Agama). There are many other species, but these are the only ones currently observed in captivity.
| Pet | |
 Leiolepis guttata pair owned by Danizard | |
 Southeast Asia | |
| Scientific Background | |
|---|---|
| Type | Agamid Lizard |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordate |
| Class | Reptilia} |
| Infraclass | {{{Infraclass}}} |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Leiolepis |
| Species | guttata, belliana, ngovantrii, rubritaeniata are currently found in the pet trade |
| Description | Southeast Asian Tropical Agamid |
| Lifespan | 20+ |
| Caré Sheet Informátion | |
| Diet Types | Omnivore |
| Diet Description | 80% leafy greens and veggies, 20% insects |
| Feeding | {{{Feeding}}} |
| Housing | 4x2x2 (feet) minimum |
| Normal Behavior | Shy and skittish at first, "Beardie" personality when tamed down. |
| Ease of Maintenance Rating | Intermediate-Advanced |
Leiolepis are group of agamid lizards. They are found in Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia where they are found in open scrub brush habitats and along the coast. They are terrestrial and will often dig deep underground burrows to live in but also climb trees occasionally. These lizards are usually quite shy and nervous at first but soon calm down under the proper conditions. Some may become fairly tame but will always remain flighty, preferring not to be held and quickly running off on their hind legs if they can get away. It has been reported that in the wild they are communal, living in large colonies. Territorial aggression does not seem to be a problem in captivity but sometimes one will block the other ones access to food. Multiple feeding areas are required. It has been observed that both appetite and behavior are improved when housed in groups of 2 or more, regardless of sex. The body is slightly flattened with small, granular scales and a somewhat round head. The tail is long, up to 2/3rds of the total length and does not break off naturally. They will barrel roll to tear off their own tails as a defense mechanism, and they DO grow back. These lizards are farmed and hunted for meat in southeast Asia.
L. guttata
Guttata are found along the coast of Vietnam and southeastern China. They are the largest species of the genus. Older males can reach up to 36 inches nose to tail. Adult males can be found up to 36 inches nose to tail, while females can be found up to 24 inches long. Both adult males and females can be found at an average of 24 inches nose to tail. These are a sexually dimorphic species, and are easily one of the most colorful.
Leiolepis guttata, subadults - Amaryllis Bekk. Male on the left, female on the right.
L. belliana
Belliana are wide-spread throughout Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Adult males are slightly larger than females and have a more robust, angular head. The total length of adult males is about 15-17 inches, while Females have a total length of up to 16 inches. This species can be more difficult to sex. Males are typically larger, brighter, and have longer faces. This isn't a guaranteed way to sex every belliana, as some do look quite similar. These are known to be more difficult to acclimate and are easily prone to stress.
Leiolepis belliana adults - Danielle Beaulieu. Female on the left, male on the right.
L. ngovantrii
Ngovantrii are an all-female parthenogenetic species. They are found within guttata and rubritaeniata integrate zones in Vietnam. Ngovantrii look quite similar to juvenile guttata and female rubritaeniata. Ngovantrii have empty hexagons on their back, meanwhile juvenile guttata have white spots. Rubritaeniata have red bands on their sides, while ngovantrii do not. They will typically lay infertile eggs once a year once mature. Only when a male rubritaeniata are cohabbed with them, they will lay fertile eggs. We do not understand this process quite yet. They are found to be a maximum of 16 inches nose to tail.
Subadult ngovantrii - Amaryllis Bekk
L. rubritaeniata
Rubritaeniata are found throughout southeast China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos. They are sexually dimorphic. Males are quite colorful and have black, blue, white, and red on their sides. Meanwhile females only have the red bands. Adult males are typically 13-15 inches, while females are 12-14 on average.
Leiolepis rubritaeniata, adult male top, juvenile female bottom- Amaryllis Bekk.
Temperature[]
Daytime ambient of 85 to 90°F with a nighttime drop no lower than the low 70s°F during the warm/monsoon season. A hot basking spot is needed at around 110°F. They can safely bask up to 125f. Provide a warm and a cool side in the enclosure so that they can choose a comfortable temperature at any given time.
Humidity[]
The areas Leiolepis species have been found average 60-90% humidity, with 60-75% humidity found during the dry season (winter).
Light[]
UV light must be provided (10.0 fluorescent or 12%) along with a basking light. Use a timer to provide a 12-hour day cycle. They are in Ferguson zone 3-4.
Feeding[]
Leiolepis get most of their hydration through leafy greens, flowers, and vegetables. Whatever a Uromastyx can eat, the entire genus can eat. All leiolepis love fruit, but it should only be a treat - no more than twice a week.
it has been found that Guttata CANNOT digest superworms or roaches very well.
All species need 80% greens, vegetables, and flowers, with 20% insects, with juveniles being the other way around. Cases of gout have been observed when fed strictly insects.
Greens should be fed daily, while insects should be fed 2-3 times a week.
A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given once or twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing lizards.
Clean water should be available at all times. They prefer to lick up water drops but running water may also stimulate them to drink. A simple water dish may be adequate, especially if an air stone is bubbling in it. Otherwise, mist the tank in one area occasionally.
Habitat[]
Leiolepis are a very active genus.
L. guttata need a 4x2x2 minimum for a single male. A pair can live in no smaller than a 6x2x2.
All other species; up to 5 in a 4x2x2. They do not do well in glass, and have been found to shatter their jaws and skulls from hitting glass full-force. Grow tents and PVC have been proven to be the best enclosures for Leiolepis. Make sure 3/4 sides of the enclosures are blocked off, as it helps them feel more secure. Climbing opportunities should be available, as they love to explore.
4+ inches of substrate needs to be a mix of playsand and organic topsoil, reptisoil, peat moss, or sphagnum moss. We recommend a 50:50 mixture, with substrate moist enough to hold burrows. Think of sand castle consistency! These guys will dig and dig and dig until they bust their toes. Please give them plenty of substrate to burrow in, as that is how they feel safest. Walnut shell, reptile sand, and calcium sand, is NOT safe for reptiles!
They will prefer to burrow for the night. Hides are not required, but hiding places are - logs, branches, rocks, leaves, etc. They can have live plants, but they may be dug up or munched on!
A water dish or waterfall with moving water is required. They will not drink water unless it is moving.
Sexing[]
Males have small hemipenile bulges at the base of the tail. Adult males are more colorful, some juveniles and subadults may be hard to sex.
Breeding[]
Leiolepis have a cool down season, while some may even brumate. They have a dry season, and a monsoon season. We start dropping temps in November - "dry season." The basking spot drops from 105-110f to 100-105f, while at night we drop the ambient temps to 65-75f. We also lower the humidity from 75-90% humidity, to 60-70% humidity.
In spring - beginning of "monsoon season," we raise temps and humidity. Males will start to court females by head bobbing/doing pushups. They'll chase females around the enclosure, typically while trying to bite at their necks. Some will go into burrows to copulate, while others will stay above the surface.
Females have a gestation period of approximately 3 months. You will typically see egg lumps, as they tend to swell like balloons while gravid! Incubate for approximately 72-80 days at 80-83f and 70% humidity average.
Provide a good-sized nest box with moist substrate to lay the eggs in.
It does take 3-5 years to reach sexual maturity.