As more and more people get reptiles, the popularity of unique-looking species rises. Still, there are bigger things to consider before you buy a pet. Though Armadillo Girdled lizards are striking and exotic, we’re here to tell you if they’re a good fit for you or not.
Armadillo Girdled lizards are great pets for anyone, even those who’ve never had a reptile. These lizards tend to be so docile that you could even introduce them to your kids. Also, having an Armadillo Girdled lizard doesn’t need too many special cares.
Yet, you must meet specific requirements to house an Armadillo Girdled lizard as a pet. Keep reading for a guide on having Armadillo Girdled lizards and the pros and cons of getting one.
Is It a Good Idea to Have an Armadillo Girdled Lizard as a Pet?
As we said before, Armadillo Girdled lizards can be great pets for anyone for many reasons.
For starters, they are very docile, especially compared to other lizards. Once they get past their initial shyness, it’ll be easy to handle them. Even if you don’t have experience with cold-blooded pets, you’ll be able to pet them fast.
Also, if you’re not new to reptiles, you’ll realize they don’t need that many special cares. Despite their exotic appearance, housing an Armadillo lizard is not that hard. To further explain this point, let’s go through the things you’ll need to keep an Armadillo Girdled.
Things You Need to Have an Armadillo Girdled Lizard Pet
1. Habitat
An Armadillo Girdled can reach 3.0 to 3.5 inches (7.5 to 9 cm) in size. As such, a 20-gallon will provide more than enough space for your lizard to live.
Like other cold-blooded pets, their tanks need branches, rocks, and plants. These elements will allow them to stay active, hide, and will also look good as decoration. Don’t forget to add a reptile liner or shredded bark as a substrate to allow them to move around the tank.
But your lizard will demand more to feel at home. Temperature’s key for reptiles and Armadillo Girdled are no exception.
The heat should be around 75 and 85ºF (23-29ºC) during the day. But, when the moon comes out, the temperature should stay below 80ºF (26ºC). To achieve the lizard’s ideal temperatures, use heat pads or heaters under the tank.
Another important factor is humidity, which you should keep between 45 and 55%.
To do so, you won’t need to spend much. Spray or mist the tank daily to maintain the humidity levels.
Like we all pets, make sure your lizard’s tank is as clean as possible at all times.
2. Food
An Armadillo Girdled’s diet consists, for the most part, of live insects. Thus, like other lizards, they can survive on crickets and worms.
For a young Armadillo lizard, you must provide food once a day. For adults, an insect with calcium powder every other day is as satisfying.
Some Armadillo Girdled lizards also eat vegetables such as carrots or squash.
To complete their diet, place a shallow water dish in their tank. You should fill the plate every day, but don’t worry if one day you forget it. They get a lot of hydration from the tank’s humidity and the droplets from the plants in it, so spray them regularly too.
In the wild, the Armadillo Girdled lizard’s go-to prey are termites.
Pros and Cons of Having an Armadillo Girdled Lizard Pet
- Pro: Having an Armadillo lizard is as close you’ll get to have a dragon. If you want to feel like Khaleesi in Game of Thrones, this is your chance!
- Con: They don’t get along with other pets. Your dog or cat could try to harm or kill the lizard. Likewise, they could fight other cold-blooded animals.
- Pro: You can pet them after they get used to your presence. But make sure you don’t grab them by the tail, so they don’t decide to drop it and run. Handle them with care.
- Con: You’ll need to measure the temperature and humidity on their tank all the time. It could border on obsessive at first.
- Pro: They’re very social so that you can have more than one per tank. Having a male and a female is ideal. Yet, having too many males could end up in trouble.
- Con: They have sharp teeth and can bite if they feel threatened, but don’t worry! They rarely ever do it. Armadillo lizards have other preferred defensive mechanisms.
- Pro: They can live a long life. Armadillo Girdled lizards live an average of 8 to 12 years, but there are reports of some of them living for 20 years. These pets are in it for the long run!
Frequent Questions About Armadillo Girdled Lizards
What Are They Called Armadillo Lizards?
There are two reasons for these reptiles’ name.
The first one has to do with their color, scales, and appearance. The second one is more interesting (and fun!) if you ask us.
When threatened, these lizards grab their tail with their mouth to create a circle. Sounds familiar?
The goal of this defensive mechanism is to use scales as protection from predators.
Where’s the Natural Habitat of an Armadillo Girdled Lizard?
An Armadillo Girdled Lizard’s natural habitat is the African deserts. As a result, they don’t need as much humidity in their tanks as Green Anole lizards.
Where’s the Natural Habitat of an Armadillo Girdled Lizard?
Armadillo Girdled Lizards’ natural habitat is the South African deserts and rocky areas. As a result, they don’t need as much humidity in their tanks as Green Anole lizards.
Do Armadillo Lizards Ever Attack Humans?
Not at all. Although these species are omnivorous, humans are not a part of their diet.
Armadillo lizards will do the opposite and run and hide from people. If one of them bites a person, it’s because the lizard felt threatened.
So, rest assured that your lizard pet won’t be chasing you or try to attack you at any point.
How Do I Know if My Armadillo Lizard is Sick?
There are several signs that an Armadillo lizard is not feeling well.
If, for example, you don’t see them active during the day (they are diurnal species), you should call a vet.
If they’re not eating, that’s also a reason to worry.
Always keep an eye out for any changes in behavior or appearance.
Is It True That Armadillo Lizards Don’t Lay Eggs?
Female Armadillo Girdled lizards are among the very few types of lizards that don’t lay eggs. These lizards are ovoviviparous, meaning their eggs hatch inside of them.
After the hatching, females give birth to either one or two lizards. This process usually happens during the spring.
There are also reports of female Armadillo lizards protecting and feeding their babies. This habit is not common among lizards either.
These qualities are part of what makes Armadillo Girdled lizards so unique.
Can Armadillo Girdled Lizards Get Along with Other Pets?
Like other lizards, they tend to hide from bigger house pets. From the lizard’s perspective, a cat or a dog could be a predator. Also, your dog or cat could, indeed, try to harm it and end up killing it, so let’s not introduce them any time soon.
If you have other reptiles or cold-blooded pets, it would be wise to keep them all in separate cages. Otherwise, they would all end up fighting for their territory. Trust us: it won’t end well.
Are There Any Other Names for Armadillo Girdled Lizards?
Yes, there are a few names that Armadillo Girdled lizards or Armadillo lizards are also known for. The most popular among them are “armadillo spiny-tailed lizard” and “golden armadillo lizard.”
They are also called “Jones Lizards,” which may have something to do with Indiana Jones.
Their scientific name is Ouroborus Cataphractus, but it doesn’t have the same ring to it.
Which Animals Are Threats for Armadillo Girdled Lizards in the Wild?
The biggest threats to lizards in the animal world are birds of prey. These flying predators eat reptiles such as Armadillo Girdled lizards.
It doesn’t help that Armadillo lizards are slow. So, despite their defense mechanism and tendency to live in big groups, they get caught often.
