The southern angle-headed dragon (Lophosaurus spinipes) is a slender, cryptic rainforest dragon from eastern Australia, with a leaf-like body and crest that lets it blend into branches. Adults reach around 30-40cm including the tail. Like Boyd's, it favours cool, humid, shaded forest conditions and is a display animal.
Housing
Provide a tall, densely planted, humid terrarium with vertical perches and good ventilation; height is more important than floor space.
Temperature & humidity
Keep cool and humid - around 20-26C by day with a gentle basking spot near 28C and cooler nights. Maintain high humidity (around 60-80%) with regular misting.
Lighting
Provide UVB (a 5.0 suits this shade-dwelling 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.
Breeding
Like Boyd's, southern angle-headed dragons are bred by experienced keepers replicating their cool, humid seasonal cycle. The female lays small clutches of eggs in moist substrate, incubated at cooler temperatures (around 24-27C). Provide a deep, moist laying area.
Overview
A slender, cryptic rainforest dragon reaching around 30-40cm, the southern angle-headed dragon favours cool, humid, shaded forest conditions and is a display species best handled minimally. With the right tall, planted, humid set-up they are hardy. In Queensland a wildlife licence is required to keep a southern angle-headed 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.
