European green lizard (Lacerta viridis)
Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for European green lizard (Lacerta viridis) (origin: South-eastern and eastern Europe). Adult size around 30–40 cm (with the tail). Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
European green lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×80 cm (W×D×H) for a pair.
European green lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C (basking spot), at night 18–20 °C.
European green lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (strong UVB, heliophilous).
European green lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
European green lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–40 °C (basking spot)
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Essential (strong UVB, heliophilous)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×80 cm (W×D×H) for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix, stones, roots, cork
Feeding
- Food
- Insects (crickets, locusts, beetles), a little fruit
- Feeding interval
- Adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm (with the tail)
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- South-eastern and eastern Europe
- Protection status
- Strictly protected (Habitats Directive Annex IV / German nature conservation law), registration required; only documented captive-bred animals with proof of origin
- Brumation
- Brumation (compulsory) of ~2–3 months at 8–10 °C
- Cohabitation
- In pairs or 1 male with several females; males do not tolerate each other. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs its own basking and hiding spots; if sizes differ, feed them separately.
Notes
A winter dormancy and a strong basking spot are essential. Strictly protected in Germany – keeping it requires legal proof of origin.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for European green lizard (Lacerta viridis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
- Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
- Schreiber's green lizard (Lacerta schreiberi) – Intermediate
- Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata) – Intermediate
- Caucasian green lizard (Lacerta media) – Intermediate
- Eastern green lizard (Lacerta viridis viridis) – Intermediate
- Western green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) – Intermediate
- Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep European green lizard (Lacerta viridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×80 cm (W×D×H) for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix, stones, roots, cork), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, zootier-lexikon.org, BfN, FFH-Richtlinie Anhang IV, BArtSchV
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).