Reptoria

Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata)

Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata), typical appearance of the species

Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata) (origin: The southern Caucasus and Caspian region: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan). Adult size around total length ~35–40 cm (males; SVL ~11–12 cm). Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Caspian green lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

One animal from approx. 100×50×70 cm; a pair from 120×60×80 cm.

Caspian green lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 38–42 °C (basking spot), at night 16–20 °C.

Caspian green lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5) plus a basking spot.

Caspian green lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Caspian green lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
24–30 °C
Night temperature
16–20 °C
Basking spot
38–42 °C (basking spot)
Humidity
50–70 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5) plus a basking spot

Enclosure

Minimum size
one animal from approx. 100×50×70 cm; a pair from 120×60×80 cm
Substrate
A sand-loam or soil mix, stones, robust green plants, climbing branches, a water dish

Feeding

Food
Insects (house crickets, locusts, roaches, wax moths), occasionally berries; calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
total length ~35–40 cm (males; SVL ~11–12 cm)
Life expectancy
8–12 years
Origin
The southern Caucasus and Caspian region: Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan
Protection status
Not listed under EU/Habitats Directive or CITES; Bern Convention. In Germany generally not under special protection; buying a captive-bred animal with proof of origin is nonetheless recommended.
Brumation
A winter rest of 2–3 months at 8–10 °C
Cohabitation
A pair (1.1) is the least stressful option; a harem (one male with several females) also works in a large, structured enclosure - but never two males together. Fierce dominance fights between males are documented in the closely related L. viridis and L. bilineata.

Notes

A warmth-loving green lizard from a continental climate; care as for other Lacerta green lizards. Concrete care-sheet data for the species are sparse – the figures are derived from close relatives (L. media, L. viridis).

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (one animal from approx. 100×50×70 cm; a pair from 120×60×80 cm), substrate (A sand-loam or soil mix, stones, robust green plants, climbing branches, a water dish), 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://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westliche_Smaragdeidechse, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lacerta&species=strigata

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).