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Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia lythrochila campbelli)

Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate to expert

Key facts and care guidance for Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia lythrochila campbelli) (origin: Mexico, Chiapas (highland pine-oak forest, 2,000–3,000 m)). Adult size around ~24–28 cm total length. Life expectancy ~10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

45×45×90 cm (well ventilated / mesh), height matters.

Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, at night 12–16 °C.

Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (weak UVB).

Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: ~10–15 years.

Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–25 °C
Night temperature
12–16 °C
Basking spot
—
Humidity
70–90 % (up to ~100 % at night), good ventilation
UVB
Recommended (weak UVB)

Enclosure

Minimum size
45×45×90 cm (well ventilated / mesh), height matters
Substrate
Damp forest floor or sphagnum, plenty of branches, bromeliads, moss

Feeding

Food
Insects (crickets, locusts, roaches, worms), snails
Feeding interval
2–3×/week (juveniles more often)

Key facts

Adult size
~24–28 cm total length
Life expectancy
~10–15 years
Origin
Mexico, Chiapas (highland pine-oak forest, 2,000–3,000 m)
Protection status
CITES App. II (EU Reg. 338/97 Ann. B)
Brumation
A slight winter cooling (the cooler months), but no true dormancy
Cohabitation
Keep singly or in pairs; males intolerant of each other. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hides until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on but each needs its own hide; feed separately once they differ in size. For this subspecies itself no dedicated observations exist; this is based on the species/genus.

Notes

The highland form of A. lythrochila; it needs very cool nights, high humidity and strong ventilation. Overheating is lethal. The figures are derived from lythrochila and genus guide values.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Campbell's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia lythrochila campbelli) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×90 cm (well ventilated / mesh), height matters), substrate (Damp forest floor or sphagnum, plenty of branches, bromeliads, moss), 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/Abronia_(lizard), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abronia_lythrochila

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).