Leiolepis belliana (Butterfly Dragonfly)

Age: Up to 12 years
Origin: Southeast Asia
Length: 40 to 50 Centimeters
This species has a relatively long tail that is thin. The basic color of the body is gray-green to brownish with lighter yellow stripes and spots on the back, which are always bordered in dark so that they stand out well. The red-orange belly is something that immediately stands out in this type of dragon.

Care

Experience: Average lizard keeper
Food: Omnivore
Feed adult: 3 times a week
Feed young: Daily
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 lizard's head. 10% of the food can consist of fruits and vegetables, older individuals would eat more vegetables than the younger ones. Alternate the food, so the teju gets all the nutrients it needs.

It is sometimes advised to powder the food with vitamin D, these extra calcium and vitamin supplements can be found in most pet shops and reptile shops.

Water
Water must always be available, you can offer this in a small water bowl, but change the water daily to prevent bacterial accumulations in the water. This species receives the most water by spraying the terrarium, so also spray the terrarium daily.

Cleaning
It is important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore remove uneaten food animals every day and remove faeces before feeding the dragon 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 does not like to be handled and would never become an animal that can be regularly removed from his terrarium, but with patience they can be made reasonably tame. When handling the animal, pick it up by gently sliding your hands under its body. Support the lower body and lift it off the floor. While handling, keep one thumb on its back so that it cannot easily run away. It is a large animal with sharp nails so always be careful when handling to avoid injury to you and the animal. During handling it is recommended to hold it above your lap or above a table. This prevents the agama from falling from too great a height. Finally, it is advisable to wash your hands before and after handling. Here you prevent the animal and yourself from getting sick.

Housing
Minimum size stay for an individual: 80x30x30
Day temperature: 22-29 degrees Celsius
Night temperature: 20-24 degrees Celsius
Hours of light: 12 hours a day
Humidity Level: 30-50%
Soil cover: Sand

Design
This agam is used to open plains and is therefore not a species that likes to climb, but they would use it when offered. The terrarium should have hiding places and a few branches or stones for them to climb on.
The enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. A UV-b lamp must still be hung. 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
Lifestyle: Day active

Character
This species is diurnal and likes to sunbathe and you would therefore often see them lying under the heat lamp during the day.

Points of attention
These animals are real diggers and therefore offer them the opportunity for this in the terrarium

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl and decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros to a few thousand 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.