Desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister)

Short answers

Desert spiny lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×60 cm.

Desert spiny lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 30–36 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 16–21 °C.

Desert spiny lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).

Desert spiny lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 years.

Desert spiny lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

30–36 °C

Night temperature

16–21 °C

Basking spot

48 °C

Humidity

25–40 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, stone slabs, dry branches

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches, a few flowers

Feeding interval

3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–30 cm total length

Life expectancy

6–10 years

Origin

The south-western USA, northern Mexico – desert

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

Egg-laying, unlike many montane species in the genus. Keep it very hot and dry; it likes to climb on sloping branches and rocks.

Do you keep this species?

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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
• Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) – Beginner
• 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Desert spiny lizard (Sceloporus magister) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, stone slabs, dry branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.