Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) (origin: The south-western USA, northern Mexico – rocky steppe). Adult size around 20–38 cm total length (snout–vent approx. 10–12 cm, the rest is tail). Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Common collared lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×80×80 cm.
Common collared lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 45–50 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Common collared lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0, a very high requirement).
Common collared lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Common collared lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 45–50 °C
- Humidity
- 50–60 % during the day, up to 80 % at night
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0, a very high requirement)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×80×80 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam with large, stable rock structures
Feeding
- Food
- Insects; larger animals also take small lizards or nestlings
- Feeding interval
- adults 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–38 cm total length (snout–vent approx. 10–12 cm, the rest is tail)
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA, northern Mexico – rocky steppe
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- Winter rest recommended: 8–12 weeks at 8–12 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is the least stressful option. One male with two or more females is possible in a large enclosure, but every animal needs its own basking spot and hide, and animals of different sizes must be fed separately. A plain pair (1.1) is less favourable because all the mating pressure falls on a single female. Never keep males together — they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner.
Notes
Extremely hungry for sun – it needs a very hot basking spot (up to 50 °C) and strong UVB, otherwise the colours fade and the animals sicken. It runs on its hind legs.
Do you keep this species?
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Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) currently offered
- 2.0 Crotaphytus collaris collaris – New Mexico · Niedernhall · 100 €
Related species
- Baja collared lizard (Crotaphytus vestigium) – Intermediate
- Venerable collared lizard (Crotaphytus antiquus) – Expert
- Grismer's collared lizard (Crotaphytus grismeri) – Expert
- Dickerson's collared lizard (Crotaphytus dickersonae) – Intermediate
- Great Basin collared lizard (Crotaphytus bicinctores) – Intermediate
- Baja California collared lizard (Crotaphytus insularis) – Expert
- Reticulate collared lizard (Crotaphytus reticulatus) – Intermediate
- Sonoran collared lizard (Crotaphytus nebrius) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Common collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×80 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with large, stable rock structures), 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: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Wikipedia EN, animaldiversity.org, aqualog.de, bmleh.de (Gutachten Mindestanforderungen Reptilien, 10.01.1997), einrichtungsbeispiele.de
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).