Adult Steppe Runner Lizard
The steppe runner
lizard makes an excellent pet lizard for reptile keepers from beginner to advanced. It tolerates handling well, especially for a small lizard species, which often tend to be skittish.
While most small lizards are extremely shy and elusive, steppe runners will readily eat directly from your hand, and these personable little lizards will often curl up in your palm to take advantage of the warmth.
Steppe runners are insectivores and can be fed crickets and mealworms. Occasionally, waxworms can be offered, though go easy on those as they are fatty. Worms should be offered in a dish to avoid substrate ingestion.
Steppe runners can be fed daily or every other day. Do not leave numerous live insects in the cage, as they may bite or stress the lizards. A quality vitamin/calcium supplement with vitamin D3 is important. Dust feeder insects with supplement every other feeding for adults and every meal for baby and juvenile steppe runners.
Clean water should always be accessible in a small water dish. Be sure the water bowl cannot be tipped over. Steppe runners are from the sandy, arid regions of Romania, Ukraine, and the greater southwestern Russia region. They require very low humidity with adequate ventilation. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. They do enjoy a light misting with warm water every other day.