Is there a reptile vet that can give me advice?

[AndrewBrian]

Hi guys im really sorry but this isnt a chameleon related topic. (operators forgive me for posting) A pet trader where i got my chameleons from is presenting me with a horned lizard a specie from the united states i live in the philippines... upon doing some research apparently they eat harvester ants. I'm not sure if we have that specie of ants here in the philippines but according to the trader this subspecie of horned lizard needs the least requirement of folic acid... it's so cool but im not sure if it will survive here because of its diet... I'm hoping for someone here that is knowledgeable with these type of lizards we do not have reptile vets in the philippines im so sorry to ask dunno who can help im sure there are many reptile lovers here thanks heres the exact pic of him he is in miami now

 

[kinyonga]

I think you mean they need formic acid not folic.
They eat between 20 and 100 ants a day...can you provide that many??

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Unless you can provide an appropriate number of harvester ants you should not get this lizard. They easily die unless they get exactly what they need and do not eat other insects when ants are not available. This species does very poorly in captivity specifically for this reason, and this is why their numbers are in such a decline in the wild. Even zoos have a hard time keeping this species alive with an ant colony on hand.

 

[AndrewBrian]

ahhh yes formic acid sorry about that... ok thanks for the tip they just look so cool i wanted to have one but i know i might not be able to provide its needs.... apparently the trader doesnt know much he told me it will eat any ants... i dont think we have harvester ants in the philippines... i cant tell a fire ant from a harvester ant

 

[junglefries]

ffiirree

You will KNOW when you come across a fire ant. They also have huge colonies. I saw some down in SC that were crazy. Big giant holes. Huge pathways. Big A*# bites on people. Water ants is where the action is. Just say to fire ants.