Reptoria

Amazon wood lizard (Enyalioides laticeps)

Amazon wood lizard (Enyalioides laticeps), typical appearance of the species

Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Amazon wood lizard (Enyalioides laticeps) (origin: The Amazon basin). Adult size around 25–35 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

100×60×100 cm for a pair.

Amazon wood lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–33 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Amazon wood lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Amazon wood lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–12 years.

Amazon wood lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
24–28 °C
Night temperature
20–23 °C
Basking spot
Basking spot 30–33 °C
Humidity
75–90 %
UVB
Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×60×100 cm for a pair
Substrate
Forest-floor substrate with climbing branches; for the dry-country species sand-loam with stones

Feeding

Food
Crickets, roaches, locusts and house crickets; the larger species also take plant food
Feeding interval
adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
25–35 cm
Life expectancy
6–12 years
Origin
The Amazon basin
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter
Cohabitation
Keeping them singly is least stressful. There is little evidence of male rivalry for this species itself; anyone wanting to keep several should put one male with one or two females in a sufficiently large, richly structured terrarium and watch for compatibility.

Notes

A ground-level rainforest dweller. It needs permanently high humidity and cool nights.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Amazon wood lizard (Enyalioides laticeps) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×100 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with climbing branches; for the dry-country species sand-loam with stones), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.

Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enyalioides_laticeps, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Enyalioides&species=laticeps

All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).