Reptoria

Banded mountain dragon (Diploderma fasciatum)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Banded mountain dragon (Diploderma fasciatum) (origin: The montane forests of southern and central China (Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangxi) and northern Vietnam, 800–2,000 m). Adult size around SVL ~7.5 cm; total length approx. 20–25 cm (a long tail). Life expectancy probably ~6–10 years (uncertain). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Banded mountain dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×80 cm (arboreal, taller is better).

Banded mountain dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot 28–30 °C, at night 15–18 °C.

Banded mountain dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).

Banded mountain dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: probably ~6–10 years (uncertain).

Banded mountain dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
22–27 °C
Night temperature
15–18 °C
Basking spot
28–30 °C
Humidity
70–85 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×80 cm (arboreal, taller is better)
Substrate
Coco humus, moss and leaf litter (moisture-retaining); dense planting and plenty of climbing wood

Feeding

Food
Insects (crickets, house crickets, roaches, small locusts)
Feeding interval
adults every other day, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
SVL ~7.5 cm; total length approx. 20–25 cm (a long tail)
Life expectancy
probably ~6–10 years (uncertain)
Origin
The montane forests of southern and central China (Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou, Guangxi) and northern Vietnam, 800–2,000 m
Protection status
Not listed under CITES; IUCN "Least Concern".
Brumation
A clear winter cooling matching the altitude they come from is probably sensible (several weeks cooler, ~12–16 °C, with a shorter photoperiod)
Cohabitation
Keeping it singly is safest while so little data exists on the species itself. As is typical for the genus, at most one male with females in a large, structured enclosure is conceivable. Never house males together - territorial fights are documented for the genus.

Notes

UNCERTAIN: the species is barely in captivity, and there is practically no solid keeper data. The climate and size figures are derived from IUCN and field data and from the closely related D. splendidum. A montane species – keep it cooler than the lowland species, with a strong night temperature drop. Shy, and at risk of injury on the glass (visual screening). Check the figures conservatively.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Banded mountain dragon (Diploderma fasciatum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×80 cm (arboreal, taller is better)), substrate (Coco humus, moss and leaf litter (moisture-retaining); dense planting and plenty of climbing wood), 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: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banded_japalure, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Diploderma&species=fasciatum

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).