Dalmatian algyroides (Algyroides nigropunctatus)

Short answers

Dalmatian algyroides: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×50 cm for one animal; taller and structured because they climb, larger for a pair.

Dalmatian algyroides: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C, at night 15–18 °C.

Dalmatian algyroides: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed, but moderate (Ferguson zone 2, UV index 2–3); a shade dweller.

Dalmatian algyroides: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years.

Dalmatian algyroides: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

15–18 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C

Humidity

60–75 %

UVB

UVB needed, but moderate (Ferguson zone 2, UV index 2–3); a shade dweller

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×50 cm for one animal; taller and structured because they climb, larger for a pair

Substrate

A loam and sand mix with a damp soil zone, plenty of pieces of bark, stones and plants

Feeding

Food

Small insects, spiders, worms, isopods (small prey that stays small)

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (almost) daily

Key facts

Adult size

18–21 cm total length (slender, with a long tail)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–8 years

Origin

The Adriatic and Ionian coastal zone: north-eastern Italy through the Balkans to western Greece and the Ionian Islands

Protection status

Bern Convention Appendix II; protected in the EU. Proof of origin or captive breeding is required; check regional registration duties.

Brumation

Yes: a cool overwintering of about 2–3 months at 8–12 °C

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is unproblematic; one male with 1-2 females in a well-structured, shady and humid enclosure with sight barriers also works - but never two males together.

Notes

A shade- and humidity-loving, gecko-like climber – no dry heat; it needs cooler, damper zones than Podarcis. Concrete husbandry figures are thin in the literature – the numbers are derived from the field and the genus (medium confidence).

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Greek algyroides (Algyroides moreoticus) – Intermediate
• Pygmy algyroides (Algyroides fitzingeri) – Expert
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
• Sawtail lizard (Holaspis guentheri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Dalmatian algyroides (Algyroides nigropunctatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×50 cm for one animal; taller and structured because they climb, larger for a pair), substrate (A loam and sand mix with a damp soil zone, plenty of pieces of bark, stones and plants), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.