Steppe Runner Lizard

We picked up four Steppe Runner Lizards during the NARBC show in Anaheim, CA this year.  From what we have heard these reptiles might be put on the endangered species list which is going to stop the import of these lizards. Ours are still too young to properly sex. If anyone knows how you can tell their sex please let us know. With a group of 4 the odds of having a female are good. Information on these reptiles are still coming in from other breeders since they are new to the trade. 



Here is a little of what is known now: 

Steppe Runner Lizard (Eremias arguta)
The steppe runner lizard makes an excellent pet lizard for reptile keepers from beginner to advanced. It tolerates handling well, especially for a small lizard species, which often tend to be skittish. While most small lizards are extremely shy and elusive, steppe runners will readily eat directly from your hand, and these personable little lizards will often curl up in your palm to take advantage of the warmth.

Steppe Runner Lizard Lighting and Temperature
Reptiles control their body temperature through thermoregulation, so your steppe runner enclosure must have a warm side and a cooler side. Heating elements should be placed at one end of the enclosure, which will allow your steppe runner lizard to cool down if it gets too warm by moving to the cooler end (and vice versa if it gets too cold). To monitor temperatures, a thermometer at each end of the enclosure is recommended.

The cooler end of a steppe runner enclosure should have an ambient temperature between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The warm end should feature a basking area of 100 degrees, accomplished using an overhead incandescent basking light or heat emitter. These should be turned off at night. The cooler end of the enclosure can drop to 70 degrees at night, and under-tank heating or infrared heating devices can be used to maintain 75 to 80 degrees on the warm end at night when the daytime heating elements are turned off.

Steppe Runner Lizard Diet and Feeding
Steppe runners are insectivores and can be fed crickets and mealworms. Occasionally, waxworms can be offered, though go easy on those as they are fatty. Worms should be offered in a dish to avoid substrate ingestion. Steppe runners can be fed daily or every other day. Do not leave numerous live insects in the cage, as they may bite or stress the lizards. Dust feeder insects with supplement every other feeding for adults and every meal for baby and juvenile steppe runners.