Angle-headed dragons (Lophosaurus spinipes), also called southern forest dragons, are gentle, tree-dwelling lizards found in the rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales. With their spiky, leafy appearance and calm temperament, they’re a standout choice for beginner to intermediate reptile keepers.
In this quick-start guide, you’ll learn the basics of caring for an angle-headed dragon—covering their ideal habitat, diet, lighting needs, and health care.
Enclosure Setup: Tall and Tropical
These lizards love to climb, so they need a tall terrarium that mimics their rainforest habitat. Fill the space with branches, vines, and leafy plants to give them cover and climbing opportunities. Keep humidity between 70–90%, misting daily or using a misting system.
- Minimum size: 90cm (W) x 45cm (D) x 90cm (H)
- Substrate: Moisture-holding options like jungle mix or coco fibre
Lighting and Heating
Angle-headed dragons need gentle warmth and plenty of UVB light. Avoid strong basking bulbs. A soft gradient is better for these rainforest dwellers.
- Day temps: 22–28°C
- Night: Can drop to 18°C
- Lighting: Use full-spectrum UVB tubes for 10–12 hours/day
Diet and Feeding
These dragons mostly eat insects:
• Crickets, roaches, silkworms, Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL)
• Occasional fruit (like mango or berries)
Feed juveniles daily, adults every 2–3 days. Dust insects with calcium and multivitamin powder. Always provide clean, shallow water. Always provide fresh water in a shallow bowl.
→ Explore Food and Supplements
Handling and Temperament
These lizards are shy but gentle. Limit handling at first and always scoop from below. Hand feeding can help build trust. If they freeze, puff up, or change colour, it’s just a sign they’re nervous—give them time to relax.
Health Tips
Watch for signs of:
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD, from poor UVB or calcium)
- Respiratory issues (due to low humidity)
- Parasites (get regular checks)
If your dragon stops eating or appears weak, seek a specialist reptile vet.
Need Help? Visit Us for Expert Advice
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