What Do Rainbow Lizards Eat?

The Rainbow Lizard is so called because of the colorful skin of the lizards' body; the male of the species is often more brightly colored than the female. Although the Rainbow Lizard feeds largely on the insects that are readily available in its natural habitat, it can be omnivorous, supplementing its diet with foliage of plants when insects are scarce.

  1. Habitat and Physical Markers

    • The natural habitat of the Rainbow Lizard is found in areas of Africa, where the reptile has adapted to survive around human habitations and campsites. In the U.S. the lizard is found in Florida living around a small number of warehouse complexes, according to the Florida Fish &Wildlife Conservation Commission. The body of the Rainbow Lizard grows to between 4 and 6 inches, with a tail between 8 and 12 inches in length. The term rainbow was coined because of the male lizards skin coloring, which contains yellow and lime green stripes and golden side with yellow spots. The female of the species is less colorful and is often a dull brown.

    Natural Environment

    • In its natural habitat, the lizard feeds on insects found in the areas around the borders and open areas by human dwellings, reports the Florida Fish &Wildlife Conservation Commission. They commonly forage and eat flies in the wild. Some types of Rainbow Lizard feed on the fruits and leaves native to the area in which they live to supplement their diet; in the U.S., the lizard feeds on the fruits and leaves of the toxic puncture weed.

    Captivity

    • In captivity Rainbow Lizards, require a large, warm enclosure that closely mimics their natural environment. When held captive, the lizard requires places to hide within its enclosure. The diet of captive Rainbow Lizards can be varied to keep them healthy; according to the Rainforest Pet Store, small crickets can form the basis of a healthy diet. Pet owners can add flies, earthworms and other small invertebrates to the diet for variation, when available. Fresh water must be available to keep the reptile healthy.

    Fertility

    • The Agamid family of reptiles contain some species that are all female and do not require a male to fertilize eggs, the Florida Fish &Wildlife Conservation Commission reports. The Rainbow Lizard lays eggs for reproduction, with 25 to 30 eggs in each clutch. Male Rainbow Lizards fight over the right to breed with a female; when a male loses the fight, it changes from its bright natural color to a dull brown color similar to the female.