Where can I find more details about what "insects" and "fruits and vegetables" to feed a collard lizard? What is the difference between UVA and UVB light? Do lizards need both? I would like to get all the info I can so I can get the terrarium set up properly before I get a permanent tenant. I would also like to know that I am able to caring for said tenant in a capable and responsible manner.

From the care sheet:
Appropriately sized crickets, locusts, meal worms, wax worms and other gut loaded insects should be fed

UVA and UVB are not equal. The collard will need a bulb that produces UVB. If a bulb produces UVB it also produces UVA. You need a bulb that specifically says UVB. Full spectrum is not UVB. Without UVB, your lizard will not be able to digest its food properly. I'm going to suggest a mercury vapor bulb from Welcome To ReptileUV - Mega-Ray® UVB lamps for reptile lighting worldwide. They make UVB, UVA and heat.

For veggies, I'm not sure. If you gutload (feed your insects veggies) then your lizard will get its veggies through the insects.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Won't go too in depth but basically:

UVB rays from your reptile lighting simulate the rays from the sun that your herp needs. This is the reason why they bask out in the wild. UVB stimulates the skin to synthesize vitamin D. They synthesize vitamin D3 when exposed to UVB, and D3 is necessary for calcium metabolization.

All in all...without sufficient UVB exposure in their lives your lizard will develop metabolic bone disease and die. Very important!
Hope that helps

oh and UVA!!

Its another light wave that cannot be seen by humans...it will enhance feeding(stimulates appetite), digestion, activity, social behavior, reproduction etc.. in your herp. Just a more healthy lizard in the end.

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Collard Lizard there Devon. But that's OK, their care is similar.

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My name is Liz
Do what's best for the animal, not what's best for you.

Hahahahaha I never noticed I automatically said Bearded Dragons! So used to answering Bearded Dragon questions!! Lighting is lighting though. I edited it.

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Don't be jealous the voices only speak to me...

www.herprecon.org

One more question. I noticed all the calcium and vitamin supliments must be "dusted onto the food before feeding." How do you do this if you're you're giving live food?

Well I just put the insects in a small bag with the supplements and just shake a bit!

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Yes,...
The "Shake and bake" method!

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

You won't give them a concussion and kill them that way? =O

Gently shaken, not violently thrashed....the powder sticks to them really well with little effort.

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~*~Lacey~*~

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