Description: Also known as Peter's keeled plated lizard, Rainbow rock or plated lizard and Blue jeweled lizard, etc. This gorgeous species is only found in southwestern Madagascar. It lives in a variety of semitropical, hot and dry sandy habitats that have a summer monsoon rainy season. They like loose sand dunes where they spend much of their time burrowed in just under the surface. The body shape is similar to a skink but they are closely related to plated lizards. With a bright blue head, often with some blue extending along the sides speckled with orange or brown and 2 light colored stripes down the back, this is a very attractive lizard. They grow to around 8 or 9", about half of which is tail. These are fast lizards that require some space but seem to do well in groups. Sexes are very hard to distinguish but males do not seem to be territorial. Not often available in the pet trade and not suitable for being handled, this is still a desirable species despite it spending most of the time buried. It is quite hardy and easy to care for.

Temperature: Daytime 80 to 88°F with about a 5 to 10°F drop at night. A hot basking spot is needed at around 90 to 100°F. Provide a warm and a cool side in the enclosure so that they can choose a comfortable temperature at any given time. Seasonal variations in temperature may be beneficial but should not drop below 65°F for long periods.
In southwest Madagascar, the lowest temperatures are in July, ranging from 59 to 81°F. The highest are in February and range from 73 to 90°F.

Humidity: Normally low, 25 to 40%, with higher humidity and misting to simulate the summer rainy season.
In southwest Madagascar, the lowest rainfall is in August at .22" for the month, with the highest in December at 3.92".

Light: UV light may be beneficial and should be provided along with a basking light. Use a timer to provide a 12 hours on, 12 hours off cycle during the summer season.

Feeding: Carnivorous. Will eat mealworms, crickets, moths, earthworms, roaches, beetles, etc. May also eat commercial reptile foods and low-calorie canned cat or dog food. Be sure to give a good quality vitamin/mineral supplement once or twice a week.
A shallow bowl of clean water (sink it into the substrate), with easy in and out access should be available most of the time.

Habitat: Provide at least a 20-gallon long tank for up to 3, a larger tank is better. Floor space is more important than height. A secure ventilated lid is needed as these lizards can shimmy up a corner to escape. Set it up as a desert/savanna habitat with a basking spot. They burrow a lot so provide a deep substrate consisting of loose sand. If rocks or other heavy items are used, make sure that they are buried into the substrate to prevent tunneling accidents. Decorations would mainly be for aesthetics, a sparse tank is all they require. A background that also covers the sides is beneficial.

Seasonal Cycle – Brumation: A winter cooling period may be provided starting in December and lasting for about 3 months (rainy season would start in June and last for 3 months). The seasons are opposite south of the equator so a period of adjustment is needed to acclimate them to the Northern Hemisphere. Otherwise, the cooling season would start in June and the rainy season starts in December. Lower the temperatures and shorten day length gradually over about 2 weeks to 68 - 72°F and about 8 or 9 hours of light. Continue to provide water during the process and feed them less or not at all if they have no appetite. After the cooling period, gradually bring things back to normal again.

Sexing: Difficult, no reliable obvious differences are visible. Males may or may not have more blue. Some may have a visible "V" shaped row of enlarged scales (femoral pores?) on the underside of the thighs. With plated lizards, this would indicate that the individual is a male. It is unknown if the same is true for this species.

Breeding: No reports of captive breeding are known. However, it should be attempted and it may help to try the same things that work for similar species. After a winter cool down period, a warmer, dry period would begin in the spring. Summer is when the monsoon rains come. Higher humidity and frequent misting should be provided at this time. Intense sunlight may also play a role in triggering breeding. It is unknown at which point mating may occur but the eggs will be laid around 15 to 22 days later. These will hatch in approximately 3 months.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna