Boyd's forest dragon (Lophosaurus boydii) is a spectacular rainforest dragon from far north Queensland, with a prominent crest and cheek spines. Unlike most dragons it prefers cooler, humid, shaded conditions and does not bask as much. Adults reach around 40-50cm including the tail, and they are a display species best handled minimally.
Housing
Provide a tall, well-planted, humid enclosure with vertical branches to perch on and good ventilation. They use height, so a tall terrarium is important.
Temperature & humidity
Cooler than typical dragons - a daytime range of around 22-26C with a modest basking spot near 28-30C, dropping cooler at night. Maintain high humidity (around 60-80%) with regular misting and a water feature.
Lighting
Provide UVB (a 5.0 suits this shaded forest species) on a 10-12 hour cycle.
Feeding
Insectivorous - offer varied live insects such as crickets, woodies and silkworms, dusted with calcium and a weekly multivitamin. They often prefer to ambush moving prey.
Breeding
Boyd's forest dragons are bred by dedicated keepers who replicate their cool, humid seasonal cycle. The female lays small clutches of eggs in moist substrate, incubated at cooler temperatures than typical dragons (around 24-27C). A deep, moist laying area is essential.
Overview
A spectacular rainforest dragon reaching around 40-50cm, Boyd's prefers cool, humid, shaded conditions and is best kept as a display animal with minimal handling. With the right tall, planted, humid set-up they are hardy and long-lived. In Queensland a wildlife licence is required to keep a Boyd's forest dragon.
Ask the team at Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium about tall, humid, planted dragon set-ups.
Recommended products
Get set up with the right gear from Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium: enclosures & supplies, UVB lighting, heating & thermostats, live feeders and food & supplements. A reptile licence is required in Queensland - see our QLD reptile licence guide.
