Amazon lava lizard (Tropidurus torquatus)

Short answers

Amazon lava lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×50×60 cm.

Amazon lava lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Amazon lava lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (T5 6–10 %).

Amazon lava lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Amazon lava lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35–40 °C

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

Essential (T5 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 100×50×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with rock and root structure

Feeding

Food

Insects of all kinds, occasionally flowers and fruit

Feeding interval

Adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

up to 25 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

South America (Brazil)

Protection status

—

Brumation

No — a slight winter drop is enough

Cohabitation

Keep as a pair or one male with several females (1.2) in a very large terrarium with plenty of basking and hiding spots; males are strongly territorial and defend the best spots against any rival with head-bobbing and tail-whipping.

Notes

A diurnal rock and ground dweller with a clear need for sun. At night it may cool down noticeably, which matches the climate it comes from.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Amazon lava lizard (Tropidurus torquatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Peters' lava lizard (Tropidurus hispidus) – Intermediate
• Ghost anole (Anolis lemurinus) – Intermediate
• Aguero's false chameleon (Chamaeleolis agueroi) – Intermediate
• Ahl's anole (Anolis ahli) – Intermediate
• Baja collared lizard (Crotaphytus vestigium) – Intermediate
• Baleatus giant anole (Anolis baleatus) – Intermediate
• Baracoa giant anole (Anolis baracoae) – Intermediate
• Barahona giant anole (Anolis barahonae) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Amazon lava lizard (Tropidurus torquatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with rock and root structure), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.