Tongue stickiness

[techdave]

How do beardies get the sticky tongue? Does it come from some kind of enzyme that they can turn off and on? Tiamat will halfheartedly lick a roach,I'm guessing he's tasting it, but won't try to eat it.

 

[Beardednoob]

Lizards produce a thick mucus which sticks to the prey. I do not believe they have the ability to turn this process off. But, when your dragon flicks his tongue, all he may be doing is smelling the roach and not trying to eat it, other times it may take 2-3 times before the lizard actually gets hold of the prey item. That is more common to see amongst the heavier feeders such as hornworms.

 

[techdave]

Ya, I figured he was just smelling them. It's weird that he hits it each time, but just doesn't really put much effort into grabbing it.

 

[Beardednoob]

Possible, that the roach doesn't smell appetizing to your dragon. Are you raising your own? What bedding are you keeping the roaches in?

 

[techdave]

Ya, I'm raising my own. I don't have any bedding in there, other than what they make.He also won't eat ANY feeder, regardless of where they come from. I did a topic on that, and it was determined that he may be kinda brumating. Hopefully.