Reproduction in captive Heloderma suspectum
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Published source details
Peterson K.H. (1982) Reproduction in captive Heloderma suspectum. Herpetological Review, 13, 122-124.
Published source details Peterson K.H. (1982) Reproduction in captive Heloderma suspectum. Herpetological Review, 13, 122-124.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Lizards Action Link |
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Breed reptiles in captivity: Lizards
A study in 1970–1979 at the Houston Zoological Gardens, USA (Peterson 1982) reported that Gila monsters Heloderma suspectum bred in captivity and one of two females produced young that survived beyond hatching. In 1979, one female produced four eggs, two of which hatched successfully, though one hatchling was removed from the egg by hand. A second female produced two eggs, one of which hatched successfully, though the hatchling died after one day. Incubation periods ranged from 112–126 days. The remaining three eggs did not develop successfully and were discarded. Five Gila monsters were acquired in 1970–1978, including two females, one male, and two of unknown sex. The lizards were kept together in a glass fronted exhibit (130 x 88 x 140 cm). The average temperature was 28°C, and the lizards were exposed to a UV lamp for 15–20 minutes/day. Eggs were moved to a plastic container (33 x 16 x 8 cm) and incubated in vermiculite (4:1 mixture with water) at 28°C.
(Summarised by: William Morgan)
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