Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) (origin: The south-western USA, northern Mexico – rocky areas). Adult size around 20–28 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Crevice spiny lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×60 cm.
Crevice spiny lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Crevice spiny lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Crevice spiny lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Crevice spiny lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 45 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×60 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, stacked stone slabs with narrow crevices
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, mealworm larvae
- Feeding interval
- 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–28 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA, northern Mexico – rocky areas
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–14 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is the least stressful option. One male with one or two females (1,2) is also possible if every animal gets its own basking spot and hide, and animals of different sizes are fed separately. Two males do not get on: they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner.
Notes
Live-bearing. A robust rock dweller with strong tail banding – it needs tip-proof stone structures and a genuine winter rest. A good way into the genus.
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Related species
- Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus cyanogenys) – Intermediate
- Clark's spiny lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) – Beginner
- Eastern spiny lizard (Sceloporus spinosus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Fire-headed spiny lizard (Sceloporus pyrocephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus serrifer) – Intermediate
- Striped plateau lizard (Sceloporus virgatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, stacked stone slabs with 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceloporus_poinsettii, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Sceloporus&species=poinsettii
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).