Are Amevias monitors?

Zosime · 04-21-13, 05:45 PM

I was thinking about getting a green or a tiger amevia are they similar to monitors or tegus like temp and humidity wise. Also if anyone has had one what is the temperament like? im thinking about getting one and i want to learn the most i can before i get one

smy_749 · 04-21-13, 06:00 PM

They are generally fast and skittish. They aren't monitors no. They are from south america like tegus, and live on the forest floor. I don't think you need to provide high basking spots like you would with monitors. If you are planning to get a pet to hold, I don't think green ameivas are your best bet. And yes, high humidity.

Zosime · 04-21-13, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smy_749

They are generally fast and skittish. They aren't monitors no. They are from south america like tegus, and live on the forest floor. I don't think you need to provide high basking spots like you would with monitors. If you are planning to get a pet to hold, I don't think green ameivas are your best bet. And yes, high humidity.

Alright that's cool.. oh are they related to tegus like dwarf tegus? Would the basking be like 110-120 or lower? no im not looking to hold the amevia i have a beardie i can hold. and so i should keep the humidity like a monitor though right?

poison123 · 04-21-13, 06:07 PM

I would house them similar to a tegu. Deep substrate and yes I would offer a high basking spot and work from there. I've always liked green amevies. Very pretty animals.

Zosime · 04-21-13, 06:12 PM

[QUOTE=poison123;835173]I would house them similar to a tegu. Deep substrate and yes I would offer a high basking spot and work from there. I've always liked green amevies. Very pretty animals.[/QUOTE
Alright then ill do that and i might not get a green i might get a tiger amevia they look even cooler

smy_749 · 04-21-13, 06:23 PM

Like poison said, provide a deep substrate. They really like to burrow alot. I would say 120 ish basking maximum, but I'm sure poison has a reason for saying higher basking spots...don't know how hot other people think is best but it doesn't hurt to provide multiple options, observe, and eliminate what isn' t being used.

Best of luck, take pics when you get one :P

poison123 · 04-21-13, 06:12 PM

They are both in the the family Teiidae.

poison123 · 04-21-13, 06:46 PM

I havent kept any yet (been close to getting them several times but just never got them lol) but I have done a bit of research on them over the past few years and talked to people who own them. The reason for the high basking spot is because they have access to itt in the wild, why not offer it? If you see they never use it then lower the temps. Even smaller lizards bask at high temps.

Edit: 120 is around the temps I was talking about when I said "high basking" maybe a little higher.

StudentoReptile · 04-21-13, 06:46 PM

As mentioned by others, they are in the same group as tegus, as well as race-runners we have here in the USA. In fact, they are best described as having the speed of a race-runner, and the attitude of a Columbian tegu, and sized in-between. Not a good choice if you want something to handle. Decent display animals, though.

poison123 · 04-21-13, 06:51 PM

I remember my first time ever seeing these in a pet store. I asked if I can hold one and the guy there said "watch this and tell me if you still wanna hold one" he opened the cage reached his hand in and they all went crazy. It looked like zombies trying to break down one of the walls. Awesome little lizards lol

smy_749 · 04-21-13, 06:57 PM

Yea they are lizards on crack, same speed with each little movement as the african rock lizards almost. Just straight energy and speed. I don't think you will be able to tame one out. OP said he doesn't need to hold it, he has a beardy for that. So if your looking for an active little guy, look don't touch, I think they are a great choice.

StudentoReptile · 04-22-13, 06:39 AM

They are beautiful...just provide a LOT of space.