Breyer's girdled lizard (Smaug breyeri)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Breyer's girdled lizard (Smaug breyeri) (origin: Limpopo, South Africa). Adult size around 22–28 cm. Life expectancy 10–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Breyer's girdled lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×60 cm for a group.
Breyer's girdled lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Breyer's girdled lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Breyer's girdled lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–20 years.
Breyer's girdled lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 40–45 °C
- Humidity
- 35–55 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×60 cm for a group
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix with securely built rock slabs and narrow crevices
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, locusts, roaches; the larger species also take plant food
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 22–28 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–20 years
- Origin
- Limpopo, South Africa
- Protection status
- CITES II — proof of origin required
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 12–16 °C
- Cohabitation
- Group, if enough crevices are available; males never together.
Notes
A rock dweller from dry uplands.
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Related species
- Flat girdled lizard (Smaug depressus) – Intermediate
- Mozambique girdled lizard (Smaug mossambicus) – Intermediate
- Sungazer (Smaug giganteus) – Expert
- Warren's girdled lizard (Smaug warreni) – Intermediate
- Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) – Intermediate
- Large-scaled girdled lizard (Cordylus macropholis) – Intermediate
- Dwarf girdled lizard (Cordylus minor) – Intermediate
- Oelofsen's girdled lizard (Cordylus oelofseni) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Breyer's girdled lizard (Smaug breyeri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with securely built rock slabs and narrow crevices), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smaug_(lizard), https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Smaug&species=breyeri
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).