Meet Max!! IMAGE WARNING

[zedxrgal]

I've been a little depressed lately (which is never good) and had gone to PetSmart yesterday to get dog food. I always stop and gawk in the mini reptile spot they have just to see what's there and came across a new little lizard I'd never seen nor heard of before. But it was adorable. Reminded me of a minature Tegu lizard. The little guy was very inquisitive and bold which I love. The more I stared at him the more his adventurous nature tugged my heart strings. Without hesitation I started looking up information on my phone on the species and care. I was doomed. They're called Steppe Runner lizards (Eremias arguta). Insectivorous beasties. I am not used to having lizards so small. But the care is very close to a bearded dragon if not the same (except without the veggies). So ............. I caved in and found a sales guy and bought the small one. I needed nothing which was nice. I had three empty cages here along with all the bulbs, logs, hides, bowls and substrate. The little lizard went from a little 10 gallon to what is probably considered a 30 gallon plus. PLENTY of room. On the way home his name (looks male for sure) came to me. I shall call him Max (short for Maximus)! A) After a favorite world superbike motorcycle racer Max (Maximus) Biaggi and B) the movie 300 is like a favorite of all time. Cracks me up that, to me, it fits him. Got him all set up in his enclosure yesterday and now just allowing him time to acclimate. I'm sure my house is a bit more frightening to one so small compared to being at the store. I mean. I have 3' monitors who wouldn't hesitate to make a meal out of him. THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN. But to him. He smells them, hears them and may even be able to see a few. So I'm sure for a week or so he'll be where he is now. In his little burrow /den. Which is fine. He did eat today. Two crickets! He's a little food monger to. I am not sure he'll grow much bigger but in my house there's a good chance of it. lol
I'll hush now and show him off.

[Vephriel]

D'aww, what a handsome boy! <3

[Wain]

Wow I love those markings, and his flattened shape. He's very cute

[Neilaren]

Gotta love that look in the third picture. "Hey, what's shakin'?"

[Nanotrev]

They live in semi-arid conditions if I'm not incorrect. reptilechannel.com will have some detail on their care.

[Rhyela]

Oh wow, I've never seen one of those! He is very, very cool!