Eastern slow worm (Anguis colchica)

Short answers

Eastern slow worm: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×50 cm for 1–2 animals.

Eastern slow worm: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 18–24 °C, basking spot 25–28 °C (small, half-shaded basking spot; little need for warmth), at night 12–16 °C.

Eastern slow worm: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB not essential (crepuscular and secretive), weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1) beneficial.

Eastern slow worm: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: often 20–30 years in captivity, individuals over 40 years.

Eastern slow worm: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

18–24 °C

Night temperature

12–16 °C

Basking spot

25–28 °C (small, half-shaded basking spot; little need for warmth)

Humidity

60–80 % (a humid and a dry zone)

UVB

UVB not essential (crepuscular and secretive), weak UVB (Ferguson zone 1) beneficial

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×50 cm for 1–2 animals

Substrate

A deep, loose, slightly damp humus and sand floor with leaf litter, moss and flat hides

Feeding

Food

Slugs (preferred), earthworms, small insects, isopods, spiders

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

30–50 cm total length (eastern forms sometimes stockier)

Life expectancy

often 20–30 years in captivity, individuals over 40 years

Origin

Eastern Europe through the Caucasus and Black Sea region to Iran (formerly treated as the subspecies A. fragilis colchica)

Protection status

Strictly protected (Bern Convention / EU law). In Germany European reptiles count as specially or strictly protected – only captive-bred animals with proof of origin, registration required, no taking from the wild

Brumation

A winter rest of several months is essential: about 3–4 months at 4–8 °C, frost-free (October/November to March)

Cohabitation

Group or pair housing is possible: the species is not very territorial and tolerates a small group in a large, structured terrarium; avoid feeding competition and overstocking.

Notes

The care is derived from the slow worm complex; it differs mainly in distribution. No strong warmth requirement (avoid overheating). Live-bearing, very shy, and it needs plenty of cover.

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Related species

• Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) – Intermediate
• Italian slow worm (Anguis veronensis) – Intermediate
• Peloponnese slow worm (Anguis cephallonica) – Intermediate
• Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
• Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
• Hart's glass lizard (Dopasia harti) – Intermediate
• California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) – Intermediate
• Moroccan glass lizard (Ophisaurus koellikeri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Eastern slow worm (Anguis colchica) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for 1–2 animals), substrate (A deep, loose, slightly damp humus and sand floor with leaf litter, moss and flat hides), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.