Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus) (origin: Central Mexico (Hidalgo, Querétaro, Puebla, Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico City), highlands between 2000 and 3700 m). Adult size around 15–20 cm. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Bunch-grass lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×80 cm for a group.
Bunch-grass lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C, at night 15–20 °C.
Bunch-grass lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0).
Bunch-grass lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Bunch-grass lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 15–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–40 °C
- Humidity
- 30–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×80 cm for a group
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots and a few twigs
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches and locusts, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Central Mexico (Hidalgo, Querétaro, Puebla, Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Mexico City), highlands between 2000 and 3700 m
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–12 weeks at 10–15 °C
- Cohabitation
- 1.2 or 1.3; never keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.
Notes
A highland species, live-bearing. Keep it cool.
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Related species
- Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus cyanogenys) – Intermediate
- Clark's spiny lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) – Beginner
- Eastern spiny lizard (Sceloporus spinosus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) – Beginner
- Fire-headed spiny lizard (Sceloporus pyrocephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus serrifer) – Intermediate
- Striped plateau lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×80 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots and a few twigs), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: mexico.inaturalist.org, researchgate.net (Morphologie- und Reproduktionsdaten Ajusco), Wikipedia EN, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, bioone.org (Western North American Naturalist, Reproductive Cycle of Sceloporus mucronatus)
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).