green ameiva (ameiva ameiva)

Green Ameiva (Ameiva ameiva)

The green ameiva (Ameiva ameiva), also called the giant ameiva or jungle runner, is a bold, fast terrestrial lizard found across Central and South America. Known for its vivid green body and lightning speed, it’s a captivating species for intermediate to advanced reptile keepers. You can find well-started specimens and gear at onestopreptileshop.com.

Why Choose a Green Ameiva (Ameiva ameiva)?

The ameiva is a highly active, ground-dwelling lizard with a strong feeding response and a shimmering emerald hue. This species is prized for its movement and presence in naturalistic, open-space enclosures.

Key traits include:

• Reaches 16–20 inches total length

• Metallic green body with dark speckling

• Diurnal and extremely fast

• Enjoys burrowing and basking

• Lifespan of 5–8 years with proper care

This giant ameiva is often described as the reptile version of a race car—quick, sleek, and striking in motion.

Enclosure Setup for Green Ameiva (Ameiva ameiva)

Housing the green ) requires plenty of space, floor area, and good heat gradients. These reptiles thrive in large, terrestrial setups that mimic their native forest edge and savanna habitats.

Enclosure essentials:

• Minimum size: 48″x24″x24″ for a single adult

• Temperature: 80–88°F ambient, 95–100°F basking spot

• Humidity: 60–70%, with a moist hide

• Substrate: soil/sand mix or cypress mulch

• Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB required

• Decor: rocks, logs, hides, and open floor space

As a jungle runner, this lizard needs room to dash and bask. A secure enclosure is also critical—they’re known escape artists.

Feeding the Green

The green has a hearty appetite and enjoys a varied, omnivorous diet. A high-protein base with some fruit is ideal.

Feeding tips:

• Insects: crickets, roaches, mealworms, superworms

• Occasional pinky mice or cooked egg

• Soft fruits: banana, mango, berries

• Dust feeders with calcium and multivitamins

• Feed 5–6 days a week

This Ameiva lizard is a strong visual hunter, making feeding time a show of speed and precision.

Conclusion

The green  is a vibrant, fast-paced lizard that brings energy and color to large display terrariums. With the right care and space, it can be a rewarding reptile to observe and maintain.

Get started with this bold species by visiting onestopreptileshop.com, your trusted source for exotic lizards and expert reptile supplies.