Ameiva ameiva (Common amaiva)

Origin: Central and Southern South America
Length: 40 to 45 centimeters
Age: 3 to 5 years
The body of this animal is streamlined ending in a pointed head and a very long tail. Males have prominent markings of white spots and females have distinct stripes on the upper side of the body.

Experience: Average reptile keeper
Food: Insects
Feeding adult: Feed a number of food animals every other day
Feed young: Small size crickets every day
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
This species mainly eats animal food, such as crickets, curly flies and buffalo worms. This diet can possibly be supplemented with mealworms or wax moths. The food should be smaller than the animal's head. Alternate the food, so the day gecko gets all the nutrients it needs. These animals also need extra calcium and vitamins. You can give this by always dusting the food animals with so-called calcium and vitamin preparations for reptiles. Fresh drinking water should always be available.

Water
To ensure the high humidity in the terrarium, a water dish and spraying the terrarium are necessary. The water in the tray should be changed daily and watering should be done 2 to 3 times a day.

Cleaning It is important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore remove uneaten food animals every day and remove faeces before feeding the animal again. Replace the bottom material once a month or a few times a year and then immediately clean the rest of the terrarium (including the interior). If you use cleaning products, it is important to rinse everything well after the time. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or the terrarium, as reptiles can transmit salmonella.

Handling
This species is very fast and therefore difficult to handle. They do not like to be handled and will therefore not get used to it quickly.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for this animal: 100x40x50
Day temperature: 22-37C
Night temperature: 20-22C
Hours of light: 12-14 hours of UV light
Humidity Level: 60-80%
Soil cover: Cocopeat, non-fertilized garden soil, beech chips, kitchen roll, newspapers

Design
This species likes moisture, so choose a ground cover that retains moisture. To achieve this high humidity, the terrarium must be sprayed regularly. Furnish the terrarium with climbing branches, flat stones and hiding places in the form of bark or plants. A container filled with moist vermiculite or peat moss (sphagnum) is useful to help the animals molt. The enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. The Amaivas needs a UV-B lamp. In this way, the animals can build up sufficient calcium in their bodies. Without this relief, they can become very ill. Use light bulbs, low-energy light bulbs or possibly daylight lamps and leave the light on twelve hours a day.

Behaviour
Diet: Carnivore
Lifestyle: Diurnal, terrestrial

Character
They are fast and active animals which makes them good pets to look at but less to handle

Points of attention
Geckos are masters of escape, so make sure that your terrarium/enclosure does not provide opportunities for the gecko to escape.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl, plants and other decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your animal happens to become ill or your equipment breaks down.