Western
New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
©
2006 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This
document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of
information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommended that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of
interest.
Common
Name: Emerald Swift
Latin
Name:
Sceloporus
Malachiticus
Native
to:
The Emerald Swift can be found in the forested
regions of Central America from Mexico to Panama.
Size:
Emerald Swifts can reach six to eight inches in
length.
Life
span:
Generally three to five years or longer if properly
cared for.
General
appearance:
These lizards are an emerald green in appearance
with a stocky body. Males will often have a bluish hue to the scales and will
often have a bright blue underside. Females are slightly smaller and tend to
have a bit more gray in their coloration, often with brown spots. Female
emerald swifts rarely have the bluish underside that the males possess.
Housing
requirements:
Enclosure:
A 30-gallon or larger aquarium with a secure screen
top or other similarly sized enclosure is required to comfortably keep emerald
swifts.
Temperature:
As with most reptiles, a thermal gradient should be
provided for the emerald swift. Daytime temperatures should be 75º F with a
basking area of 95º F. Nighttime temperatures for the emerald swift can be
maintained at 70º F.
Heat/Light:
The emerald swift requires UVA and UVB light. This
can be provided by using full spectrum fluorescent tubes, fluorescent power
compact bulbs, or mercury vapor bulbs. Mercury vapor bulbs also provide heat.
Additional heat can be provided by using ceramic emitters, incandescent basking
bulbs, or under-the-tank heaters. Timers are recommended to provide an adequate
photoperiod. Be sure to regularly check the temperatures of the enclosure and
basking spot with a thermometer. Hot rocks should never be used with any
reptile or amphibian as they may cause serious burns to your animal.
Substrate:
Emerald swifts like to burrow so substrates such as
coconut fiber and reptile bark make excellent choices. Younger emerald swifts
can be housed on indoor/outdoor carpeting or newspaper in impaction from the
substrate is a concern.
Environment:
Emerald swifts need 60% humidity and usually require
a daily misting. Also provide plenty of branches and artificial plants to allow
the swifts to climb. A hide box should also be provided as well.
Diet:
Emerald swifts are primarily insectivorous. Adults
should be fed three to four times per week. Juveniles should be offered food
daily. A variety of insects can be offered, including crickets, meal worms, wax
worms, king worms, and butter worms. Insects should be gut-loaded and if
required, dusted with vitamin supplements twice a week.
Maintenance:
The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A
thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution
is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before
replacing the substrate and placing the emerald swift back in the enclosure.
Hand washing after handling the lizard or any cage furnishings is essential.
Other
references or recommended reading:
Hunziker,
Ray. Swifts & Spiny Lizards. TFH Publications. 1998
De
Vosjoli, Phillippe. The Lizard Keeper’s Handbook. Advanced Vivarium
Systems 1994
Herp
Haven Reptile Rescue. Emerald Swift. Available On-Line:
http://herphavenreptilerescue.org/EmeraldSwift.html
Reptic
Zone. Swifts. Available On-Line:
http://www.repticzone.com/caresheets/Swifts.html