Reptile · Agamid
Butterfly agama care guide
Leiolepis belliana
The butterfly agama is a intermediate-level agamid from Southeast Asia. Adults reach 40–50 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Digs deep burrows, so give very deep soil.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 75 cm
- Temp Basking 40–45°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a butterfly agama cost in Canada?
Butterfly agama quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 40–50 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 75 cm (47 × 24 × 30 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 40–45°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, flowers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Butterfly agama enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 75 cm (47 × 24 × 30 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
- Base layer – packed coco fibre13 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry. This species digs, so give it 25 cm (10 in) of substrate in total. Only the top 12 cm needs to be bioactive soil; the 13 cm underneath can be cheaper coco fibre, dampened and packed firm.
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a butterfly agama eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, flowers. Adults every 2 days with greens; juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Very fast and flighty; display animal.
Health watch: Snout rub, parasites in imports and metabolic bone disease.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a butterfly agama bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 75 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive top layer, 12 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Premium Coconut Fiber
Base layer, 13 cm – dampen and pack firm so burrows hold
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Butterfly agama FAQ
Is the butterfly agama good for beginners?
The butterfly agama is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Very fast and flighty; display animal.
What size enclosure does a butterfly agama need?
At least 120 × 60 × 75 cm (about 47 × 24 × 30 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a butterfly agama cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $1090–1920 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a butterfly agama need?
Temperature: Basking 40–45°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a butterfly agama eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, greens, flowers. Adults every 2 days with greens; juveniles daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.