| Other Common Names: | Jeweled Swifts, Fence Lizards, Crevice Lizards, Spiny Lizards,Bluebellies, Pink-bellied, Red-eyed |
| Scientific Name: | Sceloporus sp. |
| Origin: | North America, exact location varies by species. |
| Size: | Varies with species. Anywhere from 1.5 to 14 inches. |
| Sexing: | Varies with species. Males usually more colorful. |
| Temperament: | Different species of swifts of the same size may be kept together if given plenty of space. Not very tame, but may be handled. |
| Habitat: |
Tank: At least a ten gallon tank to house one or two swifts. Long tanks are preferred, as these lizards like to run around. Make certain there is a very secure screen. Swifts will jump out of a tank if given the chance.
Substrate: Sand substrate is fine, or kenaf plant. Soil may be used if the other two types are not available. Make the substrate about 1.5 to 2 inches deep because swifts like to burrow just beneath the surface of the substrate to sleep. Keep the substrate dry anc clean. Heating: Temperature should be about 80 to 85 degrees during the day and may drop to as low as 60 degrees at night. A ceramic heater would be the best source of heat so that it may be left on night and day. A heat rock or under tank heater may be used with another source of heat. Lighting: UVB lights need to be used for 12 hours a day, with 12 hours of darkness. Other: Plants may be kept with swifts to keep the tank humid and to give them something to climb on. Also provide branches or a Haba Tree and rocks for climbing. A rock under a heat lamp makes a good basking area. |
| Food: | Crickets, mealworms, and waxworms; adults may eat pinky mice about once a week. Crickets and other insects should be the main diet. Dust food with vitamins and feed every other day. You can gut load crickets by feeding fish food, cat food, or special cricket food. Provide a shallow dish for water and also spray the tank two to three times a day to create droplets. |
