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UVA is found in common full-spectrum household bulbs and is in the visible spectrum for reptiles. Reptiles use UVA patterns to identify other reptiles, and even plants have UV reflective patterns that guide reptiles in identification of food. UVA has been associated with increased activity, well-being and encourages breeding behaviors. Basking bulbs have a sufficient UVA output, and many UVB bulbs also put out a percentage of UVA.
Common diurnal basking reptiles who need UVB:
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UVB is a special wavelength of light that is not present in basking or household light bulbs and must be purchased separately from a reptile specialty store. UVB is vital to basking lizards to maintain their bone and organ health, and without proper UVB these reptiles will develop disease, deformities and will die. UVB is blocked by glass and most plastics, which is why it is said that reptiles require unfiltered UVB. As a reptile basks in the sun, the UVB penetrates the skin and causes a chemical reaction in the skin, causing the synthesis of pre-vitamin D3 and over the course of hours that pre-vitamin D3 changes into Vitamin D3. From there it transfers into the plasma, then the bloodstream, and into the liver. The D3 undergoes more chemical changes in the liver, circulates through the body via the bloodstream and is supplied to all the major organs, such as the kidneys and the cardio-vascular system. Without Vitamin D3 the body cannot function and ultimately heart and organ failure will slowly kill the reptile.
For additional information on the different UVB bulbs that are commercially available, please refer to our UVB Bulb page. |
UVC is also supplied by the sun, but is filtered out as the sun's rays hit the Earth's atmosphere, protecting us from its harmful waves. UVC is used in many industries to kill fungus and other harmful microorganisms, and should never be exposed to your reptile. UVC causes cancer and other cell mutations, and would kill your reptile.
Nocturnal reptiles do not require UVB and UV exposure to many of them can cause skin irritation, swelling and burns. Common nocturnal reptiles that do not need UVB are:
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Below are links to some of the information we found useful while researching our reptiles.
Extremely in-depth information explaining the need for UV lighting for turtles and tortoises, with pictures and also a discussion on the benefits of natural sunlight.
Melissa Kaplan explains the difference between lighting and heating for reptiles, and describes the requirements of different species.
Pet Care Corner short article explaining the need for UVB lighting in captive reptiles.
Learn about the equipment you can purchase to test your UVB bulb output: the Solar Meter.
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UV Guide UK's page says "Welcome to the website of a small team of reptile keepers researching the use of ultraviolet light in reptile husbandry" and their website is a giant research project.
Tracie Kretzschmar, an advisor on the forum beardeddragon.org, has an article about UV lighting for the bearded dragon. The same concept applies for many lizards, and it is a recommended read even if you do not have a bearded.
RepticZone forum thread with interesting data and opinions on UVB and MVB. This is uromastyx-specific information but the data applies to all diurnal reptiles.
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ZooMed Reptiles and UVB PDF article.
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Detailed account of the synthesis of calcium and vitamin d3 and how that happens in captive reptiles. From Melissa Kaplan's Herp Care Collection.
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Article 'Iguanas and Artificial UV light' originally published in the International Iguana Societies magazine “Iguana”
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Diurnal reptiles and UVB exposure article from the website Reptile Knowledge.
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High quality Arcadia UVB bulbs are made in Germany. Their website is full of educational information and links.
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Research article co-authored by Dr. Frances Baines which sheds some light into how much UVB exposure a reptile in captivity really needs.
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