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Description
Western Dead Leaf Lizard
Scientific Name: Stenocercus fimbriatus
Common Name: Western Dead Leaf Lizard, Fringed Leaf Lizard
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in total length, with a slender, laterally compressed body and elongated head.
Appearance: The Western Dead Leaf Lizard is a master of camouflage, resembling a dried, curled leaf. Its body displays mottled browns, tans, greys, and subtle olive tones, often with irregular blotches and a faint midline stripe. The edges of the body and head feature fringed scales, enhancing the leaf-like illusion. Their tail is long and whip-like, further contributing to their cryptic appearance. When motionless, they can be nearly indistinguishable from forest debris.
Distribution: Native to western Amazonia, including regions of Peru and Brazil.
Habitat: This species inhabits humid lowland rainforests, thriving in leaf litter, rotting vegetation, and dense understory. They rely on moist microhabitats with heavy ground cover, shaded conditions, and frequent rain events.
Behaviour: Western Dead Leaf Lizards are diurnal, terrestrial, and highly cryptic. They spend much of their time still, relying on their camouflage to avoid predators. When disturbed, they may freeze or bolt short distances before hiding under leaves or debris. They are insectivorous and active ground foragers when conditions are stable. In captivity they require quiet environments and dense cover to feel secure.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide an enclosure measuring 36 × 18 × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm) for one adult or a compatible pair. Use a deep tropical soil substrate topped with leaf litter to mimic rainforest floor conditions. Include cork flats, bark tunnels, branches, mossy patches, and dense plants to create shaded, concealed microhabitats. This species thrives when provided with visual barriers and a complex, naturalistic setup.
Temperature and Humidity:
Ambient daytime: 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C)
Basking spot (gentle): 88 to 92°F (31 to 33°C)
Night temperatures: 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)
Humidity: 70 to 90%, maintained through daily misting, deep substrate, and abundant plant cover.
Lighting: Provide moderate full-spectrum lighting with low to mid-range UVB (5%). Bright, intense light should be avoided—layered foliage should soften illumination to replicate the dim rainforest understory.
Diet: Offer a varied insectivorous diet including small roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, bean beetles, isopods, and silkworms. Feeders should be small relative to the lizard’s head size. Gut-load all insects and dust with calcium frequently, using multivitamins weekly.
Behaviour in Captivity: This species is shy and should be treated as a display animal rather than handled. They thrive when provided with abundant cover and minimal disturbance. When secure, they exhibit natural foraging behaviour, slow exploratory movements, and occasional short bursts of speed when startled.
Special Considerations:
• Handling should be avoided—this species stresses easily.
• Provide deep leaf litter and dense cover to allow natural hiding behaviour.
• Maintain high humidity with good airflow to prevent stagnation.
• They are best observed quietly; frequent enclosure intrusion may cause them to remain hidden.
• Cohabitation requires caution—only compatible pairs or trios with ample hiding spaces.
Taxonomy Note
Stenocercus fimbriatus belongs to the Neotropical whiptail iguanian family, known for cryptic, ground-dwelling species adapted to leaf-litter environments. Its fringed morphology and camouflage strategies distinguish it within the genus.
Genetics Note
There are no recognised morphs for this species. Natural variations in background tone, mottling, and leaf-like patterning exist among individuals, representing typical wild variation.