western fence lizard blue belly

Question
Hello. I live in Portland Oregon and just got back yesterday (saturday) from a few days in central Oregon. This morning I found that a baby blue belly accidently hitched a ride back with us in our recycling bag. I have him in an aquarium with some friend's hermit crab bedding, a bottle cap with some water, and a toilet paper roll cut in half for him to hide under. I tossed a few ants in with him. One walked right over his face and he ate it, but he ignored the others. Stressed out I'd guess. That is all I know of him eating thus far. I will drive him back to the high desert as soon as I can, but in the meantime what do I need to do to keep him alive? Does he need special heat? I'd rather not buy equipment I'd never use again unless it's necessary. What should he eat? I have always had pets but never a reptile. I'd hate for the little guy to die. He's just a young thing!
Thank you sooo much!!

Answer
First, thanks for caring about the little guy. Many people would freak out and flush the poor thing.

Keep in mind that they are extremely temperature sensitive at that age, simply because they are so small and fast to heat or cool beyond the terminal temperature. Keeping him at a nice constant room temp is essential. While he's at home, try putting a part of the tank in the window sunlight (not all, just a small corner).

You can feed him pinhead crickets or flightless fruit flies. I am sure there are a few reptile specialty stores in Portland that would have these in great supply. These are specifically for tiny lizards and babies, and he'll gobble them up. Be careful with the ants; they may be toxic or taste bad, and that may be why he wasn't going for the others.

Good luck!