Common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) (origin: The south-western USA and northern Mexico). Adult size around 10–15 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Common side-blotched lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×60 cm for a group.
Common side-blotched lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 42–48 °C, at night 15–20 °C.
Common side-blotched lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0).
Common side-blotched lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–10 years.
Common side-blotched lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 15–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 42–48 °C
- Humidity
- 30–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×60 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
- 10–15 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–10 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA and northern Mexico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–12 weeks at 10–15 °C
- Cohabitation
- A pair or one male with several females (1.2) is the simplest option. In this species males are genetically fixed into three throat-colour morphs with different strategies: orange-throated males aggressively defend a large territory and never tolerate other males, blue-throated males calmly guard a single female, and yellow-throated males are non-territorial 'sneakers'. Never keep two orange-throated males together.
Notes
A small, very short-lived species — usually only a year in the wild. It reproduces correspondingly fast.
Do you keep this species?
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What you need to start
To keep Common side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_side-blotched_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Uta&species=stansburiana
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).