Baja California collared lizard (Crotaphytus insularis)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Baja California collared lizard (Crotaphytus insularis) (origin: Only Isla Ángel de la Guarda in the Gulf of California, Mexico). Adult size around 22–30 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Baja California collared lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×80×80 cm for a pair.
Baja California collared lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Baja California collared lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0, a very high requirement).
Baja California collared lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Baja California collared lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 30–45 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0, a very high requirement)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×80×80 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with securely built rock slabs and stone structures on top
Feeding
- Food
- Robust insects; calcium and vitamins regularly
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 22–30 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Only Isla Ángel de la Guarda in the Gulf of California, Mexico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; an island endemic in a Mexican protected area, and export is blocked.
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 14–18 °C
- Cohabitation
- Kept in pairs (1.1); males must never be housed together. In closely related collared lizards it is documented that males placed together in a terrarium fight to the death; a single male, however, can claim and defend several females as a 'harem'. Females usually get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
It lives on a single island in the Gulf of California and grows a little smaller than the mainland species. It is listed here for completeness; it cannot be obtained legally. The Reptile Database erroneously gives this species the English name of the collared lizard — do not confuse them. The husbandry figures are genus-level guide values.
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Related species
- Baja collared lizard (Crotaphytus vestigium) – Intermediate
- Venerable collared lizard (Crotaphytus antiquus) – Expert
- Grismer's collared lizard (Crotaphytus grismeri) – Expert
- Dickerson's collared lizard (Crotaphytus dickersonae) – Intermediate
- Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) – Intermediate
- Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) – Intermediate
- Reticulate collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) – Intermediate
- Sonoran collared lizard (Crotaphytus nebrius) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Baja California collared lizard (Crotaphytus insularis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×80 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with securely built rock slabs and stone structures on top), 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/Crotaphytus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotaphytus_insularis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_collared_lizard
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).