Rainbow Ameiva

Cnemidophorus Deppei

Traits
The length of an adult Rainbow ameiva is up to 10". These beautiful, colorful lizards are very active, but they also enjoy hiding in dark places. Humidity is very important to the health of the Rainbow ameiva, so be prepared to mist the terrarium regularly.
All ameivas require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Ultraviolet lighting is recommended for 12 hours per day. Use a timer to help you maintain an accurate lighting schedule. Have the new terrarium completely set up before bringing your new friend home. Additionally, make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its new home. Wait three or four days before attempting to handle your pet and always supervise children when they interact with pets.
Feeding
Rainbow ameivas are insectivorous (eat mainly insects). Insects should be dusted with a vitamin/calcium powder. Suggested insects are: crickets, mealworms, superworms, and waxworms.
In addition to insects, ameivas will sometimes eat fruit as part of their diet. Grapes, apples, oranges, pear, peaches, plums, nectarines, dates, all types of melons, strawberries, raspberries, bananas, mangoes, and tomatoes are all suitable fruits. Some fruit baby foods can be offered as well. Always remove food four hours after it is offered to prevent spoilage. A shallow water bowl is necessary to keep these lizards in optimum health. Water should be changed daily.
Housing
Individuals can be maintained in a 20 gallon terrarium. Ameivas are best kept singularly. However, for multiple pets, increase habitat size accordingly to ensure each lizard has plenty of space to move about and not interfere with tankmates. Ideal daytime temperature for these ameivas should range between 80 and 85 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used to maintain a local temperature of 110 to 120 degrees. Night time temperature should remain between 70 and 75 degrees. The humidity for these lizards should be kept at or near 65 percent. Equip the terrarium with a screen lid, which is essential for proper air exchange. An undertank heater should be placed on the same end of the tank as the basking lamp. Multiple climbing branches are necessary as well as a shelter for hiding, especially if multiple pets are in the same enclosure. Cork bark can be used for low hiding areas. Misting the habitat will help maintain proper humidity levels and allow for these lizards to intake water in a manner to which they are accustomed. For bedding, use 2" to 3" of Repti-Bark and Bed-Beast.