Emerald grass lizard (Takydromus smaragdinus)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Emerald grass lizard (Takydromus smaragdinus) (origin: The Ryukyu Islands, Japan). Adult size around 20–25 cm (two thirds of that is tail). Life expectancy 4–6 years (females usually shorter-lived than males). The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Emerald grass lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 100×50×80 cm for 2–4 animals (height and dense planting matter more than floor area).
Emerald grass lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 21–23 °C.
Emerald grass lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Emerald grass lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–6 years (females usually shorter-lived than males).
Emerald grass lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–75 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 100×50×80 cm for 2–4 animals (height and dense planting matter more than floor area)
- Substrate
- Planted with grasses and fine twigs, forest floor
Feeding
- Food
- Small insects (flies, micro crickets)
- Feeding interval
- adults daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 20–25 cm (two thirds of that is tail)
- Life expectancy
- 4–6 years (females usually shorter-lived than males)
- Origin
- The Ryukyu Islands, Japan
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- A pair or 1.2; males kept apart. 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
Very slender with an extremely long tail; it climbs in grass stems. It needs dense, structured planting rather than open space.
Do you keep this species?
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Emerald grass lizard (Takydromus smaragdinus) currently offered
- Pseudogekko smaragdinus – Lippstadt · 150 €
- Smaragd Langschwanzechsen Takydromus smaragdinus smaragdinus – Belau · 80 €
Related species
- Amur grass lizard (Takydromus amurensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Formosan grass lizard (Takydromus formosanus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Japanese grass lizard (Takydromus tachydromoides) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Northern grass lizard (Takydromus septentrionalis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Ryukyu grass lizard (Takydromus dorsalis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Asian grass lizard (Takydromus sexlineatus) – Intermediate
- Wolter's grass lizard (Takydromus wolteri) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Emerald grass lizard (Takydromus smaragdinus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 100×50×80 cm for 2–4 animals (height and dense planting matter more than floor area)), substrate (Planted with grasses and fine twigs, forest floor), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, tropic-shop.de, megazoo-nord.de, dght-schweiz.ch, aqualog.de
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).