Drakensberg crag lizard (Pseudocordylus subviridis)

Short answers

Drakensberg crag lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 100×50×60 cm.

Drakensberg crag lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 35–38 °C, at night 12–16 °C.

Drakensberg crag lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (T5 6–10 %).

Drakensberg crag lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Drakensberg crag lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

12–16 °C

Basking spot

35–38 °C

Humidity

50–60 %

UVB

Essential (T5 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 100×50×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with solid rock structures and crevices

Feeding

Food

Insects, occasionally flowers

Feeding interval

Adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

20–25 cm

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

South Africa (the Drakensberg)

Protection status

—

Brumation

Yes, 8–10 weeks at 10–14 °C

Cohabitation

A pair or 1.2 — never keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

A high-mountain species: a very bright basking spot together with cool nights. The marked night drop is part of it and not an oversight.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Drakensberg crag lizard (Pseudocordylus subviridis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Common crag lizard (Pseudocordylus melanotus) – Intermediate
• Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) – Intermediate
• Transvaal crag lizard (Pseudocordylus transvaalensis) – Intermediate
• Jones' girdled lizard (Cordylus jonesii) – Beginner
• Cape girdled lizard (Cordylus cordylus) – Intermediate
• Graceful crag lizard (Hemicordylus capensis) – Intermediate
• Karoo girdled lizard (Karusasaurus polyzonus) – Intermediate
• Armadillo girdled lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus) – Expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Drakensberg crag lizard (Pseudocordylus subviridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with solid rock structures and 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.