Aurelio's rock lizard (Iberolacerta aurelioi)

Short answers

Aurelio's rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×60 cm for a group.

Aurelio's rock lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–25 °C, basking spot Up to 40 °C locally at the basking spot, at night 12–18 °C.

Aurelio's rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours).

Aurelio's rock lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–10 years.

Aurelio's rock lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

18–25 °C

Night temperature

12–18 °C

Basking spot

Up to 40 °C locally at the basking spot

Humidity

40–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0 — these species bask for hours)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×60 cm for a group

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, roaches, wax moths and the occasional fruit, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 12–14 cm total length (snout–vent length up to 6.2 cm)

Life expectancy

5–10 years

Origin

Eastern central Pyrenees: three mountain massifs (Montroig, Pica d'Estats, Coma Pedrosa–Tristaina–Serrera) at the tripoint of Spain (Pallars Sobirà, Catalonia), France (Ariège) and Andorra, 2,100–2,940 m

Protection status

Bern Convention, IUCN "Endangered" — only documented captive breeding

Brumation

A long cool dormancy of at least four to five months at 5–10 °C. In the wild these animals are active only four to five months a year: adults withdraw from mid-September, juveniles in early October, and only the snowmelt in May or June brings them out again.

Cohabitation

Harem of 1.2 or 1.3; never keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs her own basking and hiding spot; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

A tiny range high in the mountains.

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All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Aurelio's rock lizard (Iberolacerta aurelioi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stone slabs, a dry-stone wall and a few plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.