Rainbow ameiva (Holcosus undulatus)

Short answers

Rainbow ameiva: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 150×80×80 cm.

Rainbow ameiva: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 22–24 °C.

Rainbow ameiva: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (T5 6–10 %).

Rainbow ameiva: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Rainbow ameiva: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

22–24 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C

Humidity

65–75 %

UVB

Essential (T5 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 150×80×80 cm

Substrate

Deep sand-loam with a layer of leaf litter

Feeding

Food

Insects, occasionally fruit

Feeding interval

Adults 4–5×/week

Key facts

Adult size

30–40 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Central America

Protection status

—

Brumation

No

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is least stressful. There is little evidence for this species itself regarding rivalry; territorial males are known in related ameivas. Anyone wanting to keep several should put one male with several females in a very large terrarium with plenty of cover.

Notes

Like the giant ameiva, a little smaller and to be kept more humid. The figures are at genus level — there is little husbandry literature on the species itself.

Do you keep this species?

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Look for Rainbow ameiva (Holcosus undulatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Giant ameiva (Ameiva ameiva) – Intermediate
• Six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) – Intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
• Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
• Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
• Baja California alligator lizard (Elgaria paucicarinata) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Rainbow ameiva (Holcosus undulatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 150×80×80 cm), substrate (Deep sand-loam with a layer of leaf litter), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.