Flat girdled lizard (Smaug depressus)

Short answers

Flat girdled lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

120×60×60 cm for a group.

Flat girdled lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Flat girdled lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Flat girdled lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–20 years.

Flat girdled lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

16–20 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 40–45 °C

Humidity

35–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

120×60×60 cm for a group

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with securely built rock slabs and narrow crevices

Feeding

Food

Crickets, locusts, roaches; the larger species also take plant food

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

25–32 cm

Life expectancy

10–20 years

Origin

North-eastern South Africa

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 12–16 °C

Cohabitation

Group, if enough crevices are available; males never together.

Notes

A strikingly flat body that fits into narrow rock crevices.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Flat girdled lizard (Smaug depressus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Breyer's girdled lizard (Smaug breyeri) – Intermediate
• Mozambique girdled lizard (Smaug mossambicus) – Intermediate
• Sungazer (Smaug giganteus) – Expert
• Warren's girdled lizard (Smaug warreni) – Intermediate
• Cape crag lizard (Pseudocordylus microlepidotus) – Intermediate
• Large-scaled girdled lizard (Cordylus macropholis) – Intermediate
• Dwarf girdled lizard (Cordylus minor) – Intermediate
• Oelofsen's girdled lizard (Cordylus oelofseni) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Flat girdled lizard (Smaug depressus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with securely built rock slabs and narrow 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.