Common Name:Green Anole

Latin name: Anolis carolinensis

Native to: Southeastern United States from Florida to eastern Texas and north to Oklahoma and North Carolina. Green Anoles can also be found in the Bahamas, Cuba, and Mexico.

Size: Typically up to 9 inches, though some may reach as large as 12 inches.

Life span: If properly kept, green anoles can live 7 to 10 years though the average life span is only three to five years because many die due to improper care and neglect.

General appearance: The green anole is a small green lizard with a pointed nose, and a tail that is generally twice as long as its body. They change color to brown when cold or stressed. Both sexes have red throat fans called dewlaps though the male's is bigger and brighter. Green anoles have long skinny toes with ridges on bottom for gripping. Juveniles have a bluish-white stripe down their back. Females keep this stripe in adulthood, though males will lose this stripe.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Green anoles are insectivorous. They will eat crickets, mealworms, wax worms, cockroaches, fruit flies and other small insects. All feeder insects should be properly gut-loaded prior to feeding. Offering a variety of different insects will offer the best diet for the anole since different insects have different nutritional values. Care should be used to not overfeed anoles and they should only be offered only as much food as they can eat in one sitting.

Maintenance: Clean up feces and urates as soon as you notice them, inspect the cage at least once daily for cleanliness. Replace the water when it becomes soiled or dirty and scrub out the dish. Anoles generally do not drink from standing water which is why it is vitally important that the enclosure be misted daily. Anoles will drink from the water drops that form on the cage ornaments. An aquarium bubbler can also be used in the water dish to simulate moving water to encourage the anole to drink from the bowl.

Common Name:Green Iguana

Latin name: Iguana iguana

Native to: Central and South America. Imported iguanas are generally from Columbia, El Salvador, Honduras, Peru, Mexico, and Surinam.

Size: Adult iguanas range in size from four to six feet in length.

Life span: If properly cared for, iguanas should live more than 20 years in captivity.

Special Note: While many people consider the green iguana a beginners pet, nothing is further from the truth. Iguanas require specialized care and management that is generally beyond the knowledge of most novices. It is because of this lack of knowledge that a majority of juvenile iguanas die prematurely. Iguana owners need to be aware of the specialized diet and housing requirements that the green iguana requires. If looking for a great beginner reptile or amphibian pet, consider a corn snake, milk snake, ball python, leopard gecko, bearded dragon, or pac man frog. All of these species are fun and a great way to begin in the hobby!

General appearance: Iguanas are what most people think of when they think "lizard." They have five toes on each foot. They posses a fleshy flap of skin under the chin called a dewlap. All iguanas have spines that run the length of the back. Contrary to popular belief, not all iguanas are green. Most juveniles are bright green, but as they age and grow they can range in color from a dull green to brown or even orange with striped tails.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Iguanas are strict herbivores. Many older literatures will suggest feeding animal protein or even cat food. While some wild iguanas may ingest the occasional insect while eating leaves, it is not a significant portion on their diet. Iguanas that are fed too much animal protein will develop health problems and will die prematurely. A well balanced iguana diet will consist of about 40% to 45% greens (this includes, but is not limited to collard greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens (with flowers), escarole, and/or water cress), 40% to 45% other vegetables (this includes but is not limited to green beans, orange-fleshed squashes (butternut, Kabocha), snap or snow peas, parsnip, asparagus, okra, alfalfa (mature, not sprouts), onions, mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet potato, zucchini, yellow squash, and/or carrots), 10% or less of fruits (including, but not limited to Figs (raw or dried), blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, grapes, mango, melon (cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon), papaya, banana, and/or apple), and less than 5% of other grains or commercial diets. Iguanas should never be rhubarb as it is toxic. Certain lettuces such as iceberg, romaine, and Boston butter lack sufficient nutrients and should only be fed occasionally. Acidic fruits (citrus, tomatoes, kiwi, pineapples, etc.) should also be only fed occasionally as well. Tofu can be occasionally offered as well for supplemental protein, though if too much is given it can lead to long term health issues. Wild plants and flowers are not recommended since they may be toxic to your iguana or may contain pesticides that could be toxic as well.

Maintenance: Cleanliness of the enclosure is essential. Waste products should be removed daily and the enclosure should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected regularly. A 5% bleach solution provides and excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the solution from the enclosure before placing the iguana back in. Fresh water should also be offered at all times. Always wash your hands after handling your iguana or any of your iguana's cage accessories.

Common Name:Leopard Gecko

Latin name: Eublepharis macularius

Native to: Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India

Size: 8 to 9 inches

Life span: Up to 18 years.

General appearance: Leopard geckos are yellow background color with adults having brown spots. They have obvious ears and possess eyelids. They have no adhesive toe pads like other types of geckos, but do have claws on their toes.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Crickets, mealworms, wax worms for adult leopard geckos. Hatchlings and juveniles should be fed small, appropriately sized crickets only. Adult leopard geckos will also eat an occasional pinkie mouse. Crickets should be dusted with calcium/D3 powder and vitamin supplements at every feeding for hatchlings and juveniles, and every other feeding for adults. Avoid wild caught insects!

Maintenance: Keep substrate free of waste products. Water dish must be washed and refilled daily to prevent bacterial growth. Change substrate regularly.

Common Name:Bearded Dragon

Latin name: Pogona vitticeps

Native to: Australia

Size: 6 - 24 inches

Life span: 5 - 15 years

General appearance: Medium sized lizard with a large triangular shaped bead, flattened body and a tail measuring half the length of the animal. Gray, brown or reddish brown color with small spiny scales covering the body with longer scales from the back of the head. When threatened a bearded dragon will puff out its throat resembling a spiky beard. There are many different designer phases of bearded dragons available that can produce different coloration

Housing requirements:

Diet: Bearded dragons are omnivores. They need both animal and plant material in their diet. Crickets, locusts, cockroaches, mealworms, wax worms, silkworms, butter worms, red worms, earthworms, super worms with an occasional pinky will all be relished by your bearded dragon. You should use caution NOT to feed fireflys as they are toxic to Bearded Dragons. Vegetables that you can offer included greens (turnip, kale, romaine, dandelion, endive, escarole, mustard, and collard), green beans, squash, peas, sweet potato, chicory, watercress, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Fruits can be offered about 1-2 time a week (too much can cause diarrhea) such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cantaloupe, mango, kiwi, and grapes. Commercially made food is also available for your bearded dragon. Fresh water should always be provided. Some bearded dragons like to be misted and lap up the water that way. Powdered vitamin/mineral supplement may be offered 1-2 times a week.

Maintenance: Fresh water should be offered daily. If using newsprint then clean as needed. Wood shavings should be spot cleaned as needed. Periodically, the enclosure should be disinfected. A 5% bleach solution makes an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to rinse the enclosure thoroughly after disinfecting. As always, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your bearded dragon or any cage accessories.

Common Name:Schneider's Skink, Berber Skink, Dotted Skink

Latin name: Eumeces schneideri

Native to: Northwest Africa and Western Asia

Size: 16 inches

Life span: Up to 20 years

General appearance: The Schneider's skink is a long tubular skink with sandy coloration. Orange and yellow blotches and a solid yellow stripe running along the lizard are also present. The underbelly is a lighter sand color. The legs are short with clawed fingers adapted for digging and moving in sand.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Schneider's skinks are considered omnivores, eating both plant and animal matter. They should be offered a variety of items including crickets, mealworms, earthworms, super worms, wax worms, and pink mice can be offered. Canned Monitor/Tegu food, and high quality low fat dog or cat food can be offered sparingly. Also plant matter should be offered twice to three times a week. Items that are suitable include kale, collard greens, legumes, carrots, squash, mashed fruits can be offered. Fresh water in a shallow dish should be offered daily.

Maintenance: The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before replacing the substrate and placing the lizard back in the enclosure. Hand washing after handling the lizard or any cage furnishings is essential.

Common Name: Savannah Monitor

Latin name: Varanus exanthematicus

Native to: The savannah monitor can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Sudan. Found north of the Congo river.und in Lives in tropical savannahs with seasonal drenching monsoons punctuating extended periods of parched weather.

Size: Savannah Monitors typically 2.5 to 4 feet, although rare 5 foot specimens are known.

Life span: 10 to 15 years if given proper care.

General appearance: The savannah monitor is a stocky monitor with a blocky head, equipped with large, powerful limbs and large talons. The neck and tail are short for a monitor, but still long compared to many lizards. It is colored shades of brown and gray, typically with faint pale spots on its back, darker bands across its tail, and a white underside. Enlarged scales on its neck give it a pebbly appearance. A long, forked, purple tongue is used by the lizard to smell its environment.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Insects can make up the bulk of the savannah monitor's diet, supplemented by an occasional rodent. Lightly dust insects with a reptile vitamin and mineral powder. Large cockroaches, such as Madagascar hissing roaches, are especially relished. If you can collect snails and earthworms from pesticide free areas, add these to your savannah monitor's diet to round it out. A diet based largely on rodents may also be used, but it is unknown if this will cause health problems in the long term (wild savannah monitors eat almost entirely invertebrates). Feed whole food items whenever possible, avoid canned foods, cuts of meat, and cat or dog foods. Multiple small food items are preferable to one large meal. Feed daily. Savannah monitors are prone to obesity, feed juvenile monitors as much as they will eat but adjust the diet of adults as needed. Fasts, possibly lasting several months, may be useful for controlling weight.

Maintenance: Clean up feces and urates as soon as you notice them, inspect the cage at least once daily for cleanliness. Replace the water when it becomes soiled or dirty and scrub out the dish. The top substrate can dry out, but make sure it remains moist (not wet) underneath. Add a few buckets of water to the cage as necessary to keep the substrate slightly damp.

Common Name: Colombian Tegu

Latin name: Tupinambis teguixin

Native to: Can be found throughout the Amazon Basin, especially Colombia

Size: Adults reach between 3 and 3½ feet in length and usually weighs about 8 pounds.

Life span: 5 - 8 years

General appearance: The common tegu has black and white stripes or spots with smooth scales and are similar in build to monitor species. Care should be taken to not confuse the Colombian black and white tegu with the Argentine black and white tegu (T. merianae). The Argentine tegu is larger and (reaching up to 4½ feet in length) and often have a more distinctive striped pattern. Tegus should not be confused as monitors, which are strictly and old world species. Tegus fill the same ecological niche as monitors and are an example of convergent evolution.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Colombian tegus are natural scavengers as well as predators. As such they require a large and varied diet. Tegus can be fed rodents, small insects (such as crickets, mealworms, and others), canned high quality dog or cat food or even commercially prepared tegu diet. Ground turkey can also be used as well. Unlike monitors, tegus do require fruits as part of their diet. As much as half the diet for adult tegus can consist of fruits. Juvenile tegus generally will require more protein than adults. A good reptile multi-vitamin is also suggested to help keep the tegu healthy. As with all captive animals live or wild prey is not recommended due to the risk of injury and parasites to the tegu. When feeding tegus it is not recommended to use your hands because they will often associate your hands with food and can become hazardous to handle. When feeding use tongs or a tray to avoid this problem.

Maintenance: The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily and disinfected weekly. If using indoor/outdoor carpeting it is recommended to have at least two sets for ease of cleaning. This will allow you to simply swap the clean carpeting for the soiled so you may clean it. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure and carpeting before placing the tegu back. The water dish should be emptied and cleaned daily as soaking tegus will often defecate in the water dish.

Common Name:Chinese Water Dragon, Australian Water Dragon

Latin name: Physignathus cocincinus, P. lesueurii

Native to: Indo-Australia and Southeast Asia

Size: Adult male water dragons can reach up to three feet in length. Females are slightly smaller.

Life span: Water dragons have lived to more than 18 years in captivity

General appearance: The Chinese water dragon (P. cocincinus) is generally green with vertical slanted stripes that run across the body and a white or yellow belly. These water dragons also possess colorful throats that can range in color from a pale yellow to peach or even pink. One of the most distinctive features are the well developed nuchal crests. The spikes are generally larger in males than in females. Males also possess prominent mid-sagittal crests.

The Australian water dragon (P. lesueurii) has the same body shape as its Chinese cousin. It is mostly brown in color. The head is lighter in color with a bar extending past the eye. In females the head is slightly darker and lacks the contrast that males possess. Males also typically have a larger head and crest. The crest runs from the base of the head down to the end of the tail. The body also is marked with bands of light colored bands, giving and overall general banded look to the water dragon. The throat and belly of the males is red while these areas are generally white or cream in females.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Water dragons are omnivorous. They can be fed crickets, mealworms, super worms, earthworms, mice, comets (common feeder goldfish), and day-old chicks. In addition to this water dragons also require some greens and can be offered shredded romaine lettuce as well as other various greens such as mustard, dandelion and collard. Other vegetables such as yellow squash, sweet potato, parsnips, green beans and carrots can also be given. Some fruit such as strawberry, raspberry, blueberry banana, and various melons can also be provided.

Maintenance: The water in the enclosure should be changed daily unless a filtration system is used. If using filtration, a weekly water change should be performed. The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily and disinfected weekly. If using indoor/outdoor carpeting it is recommended to have at least two sets for ease of cleaning. This will allow you to simply swap the clean carpeting for the soiled so you may clean it. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure and carpeting before placing the water dragon back.

Common Name:Tokay Gecko

Latin name: Gekko gekko

Native to: Northeastern India, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Indochina, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Sulu Archipelago and eastern Indoaustralasian archipelago. Tokay geckos have also been introduced into other areas including southern Florida.

Size: Adult tokay geckos average 10 to 14 inches in length. Hatchlings are usually four inches in length.

Life span: Tokay geckos will live 7 to 10 years.

General appearance: The tokay gecko is an aggressive gecko and has an attractive gray to blue body with orange to red spots and flecks. The whole body is covered with small angular scales with tubercular scales on the back of the gecko. The toes have large undivided adhesive pads which they can climb almost any surface. The male is distinguished from the female by an angular row of 10 to 24 pre-anal pores. Tokay geckos have voices that bark, grunt and trill.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Tokay geckos are not squeamish and will eat a wide variety of insects. Crickets should be a staple and will be relished. Wax worms, wax moths, super worms, locusts and even pinky mice will be eaten. Food should be offered every other day. Dusting of insects with a multipurpose reptile vitamin/mineral powder should be done at least every third feeding.

Maintenance: Spot cleaning of the terrarium should be done as needed. A complete breakdown of the terrarium and replacement of the substrate should be done every three to four months. Humidity can be maintained by daily misting once in the morning and once in the evening. Tokay geckos stress with handling and should be considered a "hands off" gecko. If captured they will bit strongly. As these bites can be quite painful, it is best to wear strong gloves when handling is necessary. As the vast majority of Tokay geckos are imported and very few are captive bred, wild caught animals may be loaded with parasites. It is recommended to have a veterinarian check for these parasites with a fecal flotation exam.

Common Name: Blue-Tongue Skink

Latin name: Tiliqua spp.

Native to: Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania

Size: Can be anywhere from seven to 24 inches in length depending on specific species of blue-tongue skink. Please see below for more information.

Life span: Most blue-tongue skinks can reach ages of 20 years or more in captivity

General appearance: All blue-tongue skinks tend to have a heavy build with small legs and toes. They also exhibit the typical triangular blunt head of most skins. All species get their name from a bright blue tongue in their pink or red mouths. Specific differences among various species are found below:

T. adelaidensis - Pygmy Blue-Tongue Skink: Typically found in Southern Australia and Tasmania. This species will generally only reach lengths of seven inches or less. They are a highly endangers species with an estimated wild population of only 5,500. They vary in color from light gray to very dark brown with irregular black spots along the back.

T. gigas - New Guinea Blue Tongue Skink: This species is generally gray or gray-brown with narrow dark bands of irregular shape across the back. T. gigas is one of the largest species of blue-tongue skink and can reach lengths of 24 inches. They can be found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Jobi, Admiralty Islands, New Britain and the Bismarck Archipelago. This species is omnivorous and will feed on wild flowers, fruit, small animals and insects.

T. gerrardii - Australian Pink Tongued Skink: Typically found in New South Wales, Eastern Australia and is generally 15 to 18 inches in length. This species generally nocturnal in the warmer weather and becomes diurnal in colder weather. Their natural environment is generally wetter than most other species. It feeds almost exclusively on snails and slugs. The classification of this species is still being debated. The WNYHS uses ISIS as a standard for all scientific names and it is still classified in Tiliqua at the time of this writing.

T. mustifaciata - Central Blue-Tongued Skink: Can be found in both desert and tropical environments in North Territory, Queensland, South Australia and West Australia. They will grow to 15 to 18 inches in length and will feed on wild flowers, small animals and insects.

T. nigrolutea - Blotched Blue Tongued Skink or Black and Yellow Blue-Tongued Skink: Generally found in Southern Australia and Tasmania. This species is typically brown-black with a yellow colored irregular spotted or striped pattern. One of the larger species it can reach sizes of 24 inches in length. Like most skinks this species is omnivorous. This species is often crosses with T. scincoides in the pet trade and the offspring are not sterile and still viable for breeding.

T. occipitalis - Western Blue Tongued Skink: This is a short tailed, compact species reaching lengths of about 20 inches. They are generally reddish brown with lighter tan cross banding and a tan belly. This species is also omnivorous and likes various berries, spiders and other insects and arthropods. The Western Blue Tongued Skink can generally be found in New South Wales, North Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and West Australia.

T. rugosa - Shingleback Skink: Generally found in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and West Australia. They can reach sizes of up to 15 inches in length. They get their name from their large keeled scales. They are generally brown-black in color with lighter bands across the back. Recent research also suggests that this species is monogamous.

T. scincoides scincoides - Common or Eastern Blue-Tongued Skink: Can often be found in semi-desert to agricultural areas of most of eastern Australia and the upper third of the Northern Territory, far northern Western Australia, and southeastern South Australia. They can reach sizes of up to 24 inches in length but generally reach lengths of only 18 inches. This species is generally tan with darker uniform or semi-broken bands or blotches across the body that becomes more blotched on the tail. Some specimens have a dark stripe from the back of the head to the eye. Legs are usually gray and unmarked. The most distinguishable feature, and the easiest way to separate this subspecies from the Northern, or Iranian Jaya localities, is the presence of thin dark stripes lengthwise along the body. This species is also omnivorous feeding on small animals, insects and plant material. This is one of the hardier and popular species found in the pet trade.

T. s. intermedia - Northern Blue Tongued Skink: This subspecies prefers tropical or savannah woodlands of Northern Australia. Often considered the largest of the blue-tongued skinks it can reach lengths of 24 to 27 inches. It generally as uniform vertical bands which are usually chestnut colored, with orange shaded off-centered markings on the sides. As with the Eastern, the legs are gray and unmarked. Because of their gentler demeanor this subspecies generally makes for the best choice if you want a handleable pet.

Common Name: Bibron's Gecko

Latin name: Pachydactylus bibroni

Native to: Southern Africa, Angola, and southern Tanzania

Size: Bibron's Geckos generally reach 6 inches (15 cm) in length, though they can reach sizes of 8 to 9 inches (20-22 cm).

General appearance: Bibron's geckos generally reach 6 inches (15 cm) in length, though they can reach sizes of 8 to 9 inches (20-22 cm).

Housing requirements:

Diet: As with most geckos, Bibron's geckos are insectivorous. They will eat a variety of insects including crickets, mealworms, super worms, and wax worms. When feeding your gecko insects it is important to gut load them before feeding to the gecko. Regular vitamin supplements applied to the prey can also prove beneficial in moderation as well.

Maintenance: Fresh water should be provided daily. The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily and disinfected regularly. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the before placing the gecko back. Regular misting may also be required in order to maintain humidity levels. After handling your gecko or cage accessories it is always important to thoroughly wash your hands.

Common Name:Uromastyx, Spiny Tail Lizard

Latin name: Uromastyx spp.

Native to: Northern Africa to the Middle East, depending upon specific species of Uromastyx. See below for specific details.

Size: From 14 inches to 30 inches depending upon specific species of spiny tail lizard. See below for specific details.

Life span: Theorized to be 35 years in captivity

General appearance: All Uromastyx have a stocky build and a well-armored tail which gives it its common name. All species of Uromastyx also have salt glands around their nostrils and it is not uncommon to see salt crystals build up around the nostril. There several species in the Uromastyx genus, but only the following species are commonly imported and seen in the pet trade however, so we will only cover these species below.

Uromastyx acanthinurus: Can reach lengths of 16 inches. Colors can range from green to yellow to even some bright orange with all colors in between. This species can be found in northern Africa, including Morocco, Libya, Niger and Sudan.

Uromastyx aegyptius: The largest member of the genus, Uromastyx aegyptius can reach lengths of 30 inches and weigh several pounds. Coloration is highly variable but is usually dark brown to light brown or tan. As the species name suggests, this species can be found in Egypt as well as parts of the Middle East, including the Arabian Peninsula, Iran, Iraq, and parts of Israel.

Uromastyx benti: This species shows some sexual dimorphism. Males tend to have a bluish body with white spots while females are usually light tan with reddish tails. Like most species of Uromastyx, this species rarely exceeds lengths of 14 inches. This species is typically found in Yemen and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Uromastyx hardwicki: Coloration is highly variable but is usually dark brown to light brown or tan. Smaller than Uromastyx aegyptius, this species will only reach lengths of 14 inches or less. This species can be found in India and Pakistan.

Uromastyx ocellatus: Like Uromastyx benti this species demonstrates sexual dimorphism, with males being blue-green or green with blotches of orange and yellow. Females have more subtle yellows and browns and have less orange. As in most species of Uromastyx, this species rarely exceeds lengths of 14 inches. This species is found in Egypt and the Middle East like Uromastyx aegyptius.

Common Name: Long Tail lizard, Long Tail Grass Lizard

Latin name: Takydromas sexlineatus

Native to: Southeast Asia

Size: Six to eight inches long with ¾ of the length being the tail

Life span: If taken care of properly, long tail lizards can live five years or more.

General appearance: The overall color of the long tail lizard is brown with a possible greenish hue. There are stripes going down the long tail lizard's back that is normally brown with white and black bordering the stripes. Their tail is usually about ¾ of the length. The underside is usually creamy white. They have a triangular head.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Gut loaded crickets, wax worms, mealworms, butter worms, red wigglers, and earthworms can all be fed to the long tail lizard 3 times a week.

Maintenance: The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before replacing the substrate and placing the long tail lizard back in the enclosure. Hand washing after handling the lizard or any cage furnishings is essential.

Common Name:Emerald Swift

Latin name: Sceloporus Malachiticus

Native to: The Emerald Swift can be found in the forested regions of Central America from Mexico to Panama

Size: Emerald Swifts can reach six to eight inches in length.

Life Span: Generally three to five years or longer if properly cared for.

General appearance: Emerald Swifts are an emerald green in appearance with a stocky body. Males will often have a bluish hue to the scales and will often have a bright blue underside. Females are slightly smaller and tend to have a bit more gray in their coloration, often with brown spots. Female emerald swifts rarely have the bluish underside that the males possess.

Housing requirements:

Diet: Emerald swifts are primarily insectivorous. Adults should be fed three to four times per week. Juveniles should be offered food daily. A variety of insects can be offered, including crickets, meal worms, wax worms, king worms, and butter worms. Insects should be gut-loaded and if required, dusted with vitamin supplements twice a week.

Maintenance: The enclosure should be spot cleaned daily. A thorough cleaning should be performed on a regular basis. A 5% bleach solution is an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the enclosure before replacing the substrate and placing the emerald swift back in the enclosure. Hand washing after handling the lizard or any cage furnishings is essential.