Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus)

Short answers

Cape crag lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×60 cm for a group.

Cape crag lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Cape crag lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Cape crag lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–20 years.

Cape crag 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

20–28 cm

Life expectancy

10–20 years

Origin

The Drakensberg, 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 montane species from high altitude; it needs cool nights and a genuine resting phase.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Drakensberg crag lizard (Pseudocordylus subviridis) – Intermediate
• Common crag lizard (Pseudocordylus melanotus) – Intermediate
• Transvaal crag lizard (Pseudocordylus transvaalensis) – Intermediate
• Breyer's girdled lizard (Smaug breyeri) – Intermediate
• Flat girdled lizard (Smaug depressus) – Intermediate
• Large-scaled girdled lizard (Cordylus macropholis) – Intermediate
• Dwarf girdled lizard (Cordylus minor) – Intermediate
• Mozambique girdled lizard (Smaug mossambicus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) 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.