Four-spotted Madagascar swift (Oplurus quadrimaculatus)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Four-spotted Madagascar swift (Oplurus quadrimaculatus) (origin: Southern Madagascar – granite rock). Adult size around 30–38 cm total length. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Four-spotted Madagascar swift: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×70 cm.
Four-spotted Madagascar swift: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–37 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 18–22 °C.
Four-spotted Madagascar swift: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Four-spotted Madagascar swift: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Four-spotted Madagascar swift: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–37 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 48 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×70 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, large stable rock structures with crevices
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, flowers
- Feeding interval
- 4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 30–38 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Southern Madagascar – granite rock
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- A pair, males strictly separated. Reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently cornered. Females generally get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
The largest Oplurus, flat-bodied for narrow rock crevices. It basks at length – the spot has to be broad and very hot. Stone structures must be built absolutely stably.
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Related species
- Merrem's Madagascar swift (Oplurus cyclurus) – Intermediate
- Collared iguanid (Oplurus cuvieri) – Intermediate
- Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) – Expert
- Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) – Expert
- Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate
- Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) – Intermediate
- Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) – Expert
- Green iguana (Iguana iguana) – Intermediate to expert
What you need to start
To keep Four-spotted Madagascar swift (Oplurus quadrimaculatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×70 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large stable rock structures with 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oplurus_quadrimaculatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Oplurus&species=quadrimaculatus
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).