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Description
Emerald Long-tailed Grass Lizard (Takydromus smaragdinus)
Scientific Name: Takydromus smaragdinus
Common Name: Emerald Long-tailed Grass Lizard, Green Grass Lizard
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) in total length, with the tail making up most of their length. Their bodies remain slender and lightweight.
Appearance: This species is notable for its vibrant emerald-green body, slender shape, and extremely long, whip-like tail. Many individuals display cream or yellow lateral stripes, with faint dorsal striping in some. Smooth, glossy scales and long limbs contribute to their agility and sleek appearance. Their movements are quick, fluid, and adapted to navigating dense grasses.
Distribution: Native to Japan, including the Ryukyu Islands.
Habitat: They inhabit lush grasslands, low shrubs, and forest margins. These lizards divide their time between ground-level vegetation and elevated perches within dense plant growth.
Behaviour: Emerald Grass Lizards are diurnal, fast, and highly alert. They rely on rapid bursts of speed and camouflage to avoid predators. Tail autotomy is a common defence. Their diet consists of small insects and other tiny invertebrates. Although active, they frequently perch quietly while scanning their surroundings.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 24 inches (60 × 45 × 60 cm) for a group or single adult. Furnish the space with tall artificial or live grasses, bamboo stems, thin branches, cork flats, and dense foliage. Visual cover and fine climbing structures are essential to reduce stress.
Temperature and Humidity:
Basking area: 90–95°F (32–35°C)
Ambient temperature: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
Night temperatures: 65–72°F (18–22°C)
Humidity should remain between 60–80%, supported by daily misting and good ventilation.
Lighting: Provide strong full-spectrum lighting with moderate UVB (5–10%). A bright daytime cycle enhances activity, basking, and proper calcium metabolism.
Diet: Offer small insects such as fruit flies, pinhead crickets, black soldier fly larvae, mini mealworms, and roach nymphs. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 1–2 days. Dust feeders with calcium routinely and provide multivitamins weekly.
Behaviour in Captivity: These lizards are active, delicate, and best enjoyed as display animals rather than handled. They flourish in planted enclosures with ample horizontal and vertical structure, displaying lively hunting behaviour and quick, agile movements.
Special Considerations:
• Their tails autotomize easily, so handling should be minimized.
• Ensure the enclosure is secure, as they can slip through narrow gaps.
• Use thin climbing décor that mimics grasses rather than bulky branches.
• Live plants provide humidity, cover, and environmental enrichment.
Taxonomy Note
The Emerald Long-tailed Grass Lizard is a member of the Lacertidae family, known for slender, agile lizards distributed across Eurasia. Takydromus smaragdinus is among the most vibrant species within its genus and is highly adapted to life among tall grasses.
Genetics Note
There are no recognized morphs for the Emerald Long-tailed Grass Lizard. Natural variation includes differences in green saturation, lateral stripe clarity, and relative tail length. These differences arise from individual and locality-based genetics rather than selective breeding.