Acanthodactylus erythrurus (Red-tailed Frill-toe Lizard)

Origin: Algeria, Morocco, Spain, and Portugal
Length: Up to 20 centimeters
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
The lizard features a striking pattern of light-colored longitudinal stripes, interspersed with black and orange-brown spots.
Experience level: Beginner reptile keeper
Diet: Insects
Feeding adults: Offer several prey items every other day
Feeding juveniles: Offer small-sized crickets daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water replacement: Daily
Diet
This species feeds primarily on animal-based food, such as crickets, curly-wing flies, and lesser mealworms ("buffalo worms"). This diet can be supplemented with mealworms or wax moth larvae. Prey items must be smaller than the lizard's head. Vary the diet to ensure the gecko receives all necessary nutrients. These animals also require additional calcium and vitamins; you can provide these by dusting the prey items with a calcium and vitamin supplement designed for reptiles. Fresh drinking water must always be available.
Water
Clean drinking water must be available in the terrarium at all times. For this species, a large water bowl—in which the animal can fully submerge itself—is recommended. Always use lukewarm water and replace it daily.

Cleaning
Maintaining a clean terrarium is essential. Remove any uneaten prey items daily, and clear away waste before feeding the animal again. Replace the substrate once a month or a few times a year, and thoroughly clean the rest of the terrarium (including all furnishings) at the same time. If you use cleaning agents, ensure everything is rinsed thoroughly afterward. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or their terrarium, as reptiles can carry *Salmonella*.

Handling
This species is very fast and, therefore, difficult to handle. If you do pick up the lizard, take great care never to hold it by the tail, as it may shed (detach) its tail.
Housing
Minimum enclosure size for a pair: 60x40x40 cm
Daytime temperature: 25–35°C
Nighttime temperature: 15–20°C
Lighting duration: 12–14 hours of UV light
Humidity: 40–55%
Substrate: Desert sand
Enclosure Setup
Furnish the terrarium with climbing branches, flat stones, and hiding spots such as pieces of bark or plants. A container filled with damp vermiculite or *Sphagnum* moss is useful for assisting the animals during shedding. The enclosure should provide a temperature gradient, with both warmer and cooler areas, allowing the animals to choose their preferred environment. The terrarium must be equipped with a UV-B lamp with an output of 10% to 12%. This enables the animals to build up sufficient calcium levels in their bodies; without this lighting, they can become very ill.
Behavior
Diet: Carnivorous
Activity pattern: Crepuscular and nocturnal
Temperament
This species becomes very active at dusk. They can be kept in groups, in which case they will exhibit different social behaviors.
Points of attention
Housing multiple males together is often problematic due to territorial behavior. Costs and Purchase
Legislation: -
One-time costs: These include expenses for the enclosure, lighting, heating, a water bowl, plants, and other decorations. In total, this can amount to several hundred euros, depending on the quality and size of the items chosen.
Recurring costs: These include the cost of food, which typically amounts to several tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: These are costs that may arise if your gecko happens to fall ill or if any of your equipment breaks down.