Aurita arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia aurita)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert
Key facts and care guidance for Aurita arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia aurita) (origin: The mountains of Guatemala (cool higher altitudes)). Adult size around 25–30 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Aurita arboreal alligator lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×90 cm (mesh enclosure) for 1 animal, 80×60×100 cm recommended.
Aurita arboreal alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–26 °C, basking spot 30–32 °C local basking spot, at night 14–18 °C.
Aurita arboreal alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Aurita arboreal alligator lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Aurita arboreal alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Intermediate to expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 14–18 °C
- Basking spot
- 30–32 °C local basking spot
- Humidity
- 60–90 %
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×90 cm (mesh enclosure) for 1 animal, 80×60×100 cm recommended
- Substrate
- Damp sphagnum or coco chips, bromeliads, cork
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, house crickets, roaches, flies)
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- The mountains of Guatemala (cool higher altitudes)
- Protection status
- CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B
- Brumation
- A cool winter rest (~12–18 °C)
- Cohabitation
- Single housing is the least stressful; a pair works with plenty of space and dense planting, several males never. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females and even siblings also clash when space is tight; every animal needs its own basking and hiding spots, and animals of different sizes are fed separately.
Notes
Demanding: plenty of air, high humidity and UV; sensitive to heat (keep it below 30 °C). Rare in captivity, and live-bearing.
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Related species
- Anzueto's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia anzuetoi) – Expert
- Bogert's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia bogerti) – Expert
- Campbell's alligator lizard (Abronia campbelli) – Expert
- Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia lythrochila campbelli) – Intermediate to expert
- Chiszar's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia chiszari) – Expert
- Cuetzpali arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia cuetzpali) – Expert
- Deppe's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia deppii) – Expert
- Frost's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia frosti) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Aurita arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia aurita) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×90 cm (mesh enclosure) for 1 animal, 80×60×100 cm recommended), substrate (Damp sphagnum or coco chips, bromeliads, cork), 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: 24 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia DE, dubiaroaches.com, eu_annex.txt (lokal, VO (EU) 2026/1383), geckosbysophie.ch, gutachten.txt (BML 1997, lokal)
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).