Care Sheet - Green Striped Tree Dragon

Scientific Name
Japalura splendida
Other common names
Japalura Tree Dragon, Banana Split Mountain Lizard, Chinese Tree Dragon, Dragon
Agama, Neon Tree Dragon
Habitat
South-western China, in the provinces of Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan,
Gansu, and Henan, and also in the southeast of Tibet.
Mountain rain forest, diurnal
Size
Approx. 30 cm
Life Expectancy
Over 10 years??
Reproduction
Oviparous. Japaluras lay eggs in nests in late May to June which will hatch in mid
July to August in shallow nests with an average of 5 to 7 eggs per nest. Due to the low
price on the market currently for the Japaluras, they are not favoured by commercial
breeders, and little more is known about their breeding.
Sexing
The easiest way to determine the sex of even young Japaluras is the check the black
markings running down the centre of their back. On the male, it will take the form of
an unbroken line running the length of their back; on the female it will be broken up
into a series of diamonds or squares with green in between. Additionally, mature
males will sport a small crest running from the back of their head and covering the
back of their neck. They also have a larger dewlap.
Housing
30x12x17 inch terrarium or larger is recommended
Temperature

Temperature between 23-25C, local basking spot up to 28C. Night turn down to
17C.
Humidity
80-95%
Lighting
UV Lights Repti Glo 5 or the Arcadia D3 Compact". Incandescent spot light on a
dimming thermostat for the creation of local basking spots.
Substrate
Loose, absorptive substrate Forest bark or similar.
Cage Furniture
Branches and vines for climbing make sure some are vertical, a natural or a textured
background is recommended. Planting is required (Ficus benjamina, F. pumila,
Scindapsus, etc.) or artificial plants can be used. Various hiding places and a large
water tank (possibly even an Aquaterrarium)
Food
Insects (e.g. crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, super mealworms,
wax moths, etc.) Regular additions of Calcium+D3 and vitamins should be regularly
added to the food.
John Gamesby