Description: These strikingly colored, small lacertids are from the tropical forests of Africa. A wide range of humid to dry habitats are utilized but they are almost always found high up on tree trunks that receive plenty of sun exposure. The body and tail are flattened and the ribs can be spread slighty to allow them to glide between the trees, sometimes for a distance of 30’ or more. They can grow to over 5" but 3½" to 4½" is more normal. As the name says, they have a beautiful neon blue tail that also has yellow on both sides. The belly is orange. These active lizards are escape artists and they have a lot of personality.
It is thought that two subspecies exist; Holaspis guentheri guentheri occurs in central Africa and has three dark stripes across each side, while Holaspis guentheri laevis lives in eastern Africa and has only two dark stripes.

Temperature: Daytime 75 to 80°F with a 5 to 10°F drop at night. A basking spot at around 90°F is needed. Providing a temperature gradient throughout the enclosure is highly recommended. This allows the lizards to thermo-regulate properly by having a choice of different temperature zones. 10°F overall lower temps in the winter will provide a beneficial seasonal fluctuation. Interestingly, these lizards seem to tolerate nighttime temps down to 50°F with no ill effects.

Humidity: Moderate to high, 60-80%. Misting is beneficial.

Lighting: UV lighting is required, the 5.0 florescent type will also provide the light needed to grow plants in a forest habitat. A basking light is also needed and is often used in the cool of the morning. Seasonal day length fluctuations may be beneficial.

Feeding: Small crickets and fruit flies are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other appropriately sized insects should be offered. Feed adults about every 2 days and juveniles every day. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given once or twice a week for adults and more often for juveniles.
A shallow dish of clean water should be available at all times. Misting the enclosure is also very helpful.

Habitat: A tall tank is needed, at least a 25-gallon tall type with a very tight fitting, ventilated top. Taller would be even better. Set it up as a planted arboreal forest vivarium with an open area for gliding. Include lots of thick, vertical branches that have hiding places among them. Tall rocks and caves are also good. These lizards like to hide in and under things that are above the ground, will also sleep there and will not spend much time on the ground. Keep the substrate moist but not soggy.

Hibernation / Aestivation: Does not occur. Provide seasonal day length and temperature fluctuations.

Sexing: Males have more prominent femoral pores that may exude a waxy secretion. Often, they will have a larger head and a thicker tail base. Sometimes males may have a brighter orange belly, but this is unreliable.

Breeding: A winter cool down period of about 2 to 3 months with shorter days will give the breeders a seasonal break. Soon after the temps and day length are brought back to normal, courtship should be observed with the male pursuing the female. If she is receptive, she will allow the male to bite her and eventually, mating will occur. This may take place every 5 or 6 weeks throughout the warm season.
It is likely that in the wild, the eggs are laid in moist places under tree bark or in other suitable protected moist spots. In captivity, pieces of bark placed on the moist substrate will suffice. A better method is to use a container with an entrance hole. Fill it half way up with moist potting soil or Vermiculite with pieces of bark on top. With either method, the temps should be maintained between 84 and 88°F.
Egg laying occurs at night with 2 eggs normally being produced. Inside the container, they are usually placed on top of the bark. Sometimes they may be laid under the bark or shallowly buried under it. Clutches may be produced every month to 1½ months during the breeding season.
The eggs should be carefully removed and incubated between 74 and 84°F. Depending on the average temp, the eggs should hatch in 2 to 3 months.
The hatchlings are a duller colored version of the adults and have a black belly. They should be kept under similar conditions as the adults and fed tiny insects such as pinhead crickets and fruit flies. Use caution when securing the top because they can squeeze through the tiniest of openings and escape. They will be very shy at first but as they grow they will be visible more often.
Sexual maturity is reached in 1½ to 2 years of age depending on how large they have grown.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna