Exotic Lizards
Fireflies Can Kill Exotic Lizards
Many people are not aware that fireflies are poisonous to exotic lizards. If you own any type of exotic reptile, this is information that you will want to be familiar with. Fireflies are poisonous because of their lucibufagin chemicals, and just one of these little insects can kill a lizard.
Those lizards and animals that are native to North America have a natural distaste for these insects, but exotic lizards that are native to other parts of the world where this firefly doesn’t live have not developed that same distaste.
The lucibufagin chemical is not the chemical that causes the firefly to glow as it is often mistaken for; instead this chemical is actually a self-defense poison. For animals and birds that know instinctively to leave this insect alone, this is not that big of a problem, but exotic animals don’t know any better. This is especially a problem for exotic lizards that will eat any insect they come into contact with.
Today, more people in the United States own exotic lizards and other reptiles than just about any other type of animal, except cats and dogs. Due to the large number of these lizards being owned as pets, as well as those that are kept in zoos, the firefly poses a major health hazard. In fact, every year more and more exotic lizards are dying from being poisoned when eating these glowing flies.
One of the most popular of the exotic lizards to keep as pets is the Australian Bearded Dragon. This lizard is fun to hold, and they make great pets because they are clean and don’t have much of an odor. These animals also make good pets because they are easier to take care of than dogs and cats, plus they will take up less of your time.
The problem is that when tested in a laboratory, this lizard tended to eat any insect that it came into contact with, including all of those that are known to be lethal.
To help avoid exotic lizards being poisoned by fireflies you will want to keep them well fed, and it is also necessary to ensure that no fireflies can accidentally fly into the tank where you house your lizards.
Exotic lizards love to eat insects so you will want to feed your pet insects such as crickets and mealworms. Of course this can be a little expensive, which is why some people will look for insects outside to feed to their lizards, but the safer method of feeding insects to your lizard is to raise your own crickets and mealworms.
When looking at cost, exotic lizards are fairly inexpensive, but they can be a little expensive when it comes to ensuring that you have the proper equipment and food to care for your lizard. Some lizards need large tanks, as well as UV lighting. Before you get a lizard as a pet, some of the things you will want to have prepared will be a tank that is large enough to accommodate your new pet, as well as any lighting that will be necessary. Of course you will also want to make sure that you have the right food to feed your lizard too.
Finally, whatever you do, you will want to make it difficult for your pet to come into contact with poisonous fireflies. In addition to these insects, there may be other insects in your area that will be lethal to exotic lizards so always be sure that you only feed your pet food you have raised yourself or bought at a pet store.