Greek algyroides (Algyroides moreoticus)

Short answers

Greek algyroides: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm for one animal or a small group (from breeding reports); structured with a humid zone.

Greek algyroides: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Greek algyroides: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed, moderate (Ferguson zone 2, UV index 2–3); lives in partial shade.

Greek algyroides: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years.

Greek algyroides: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C

Humidity

60–75 % (with a permanently damp floor zone)

UVB

UVB needed, moderate (Ferguson zone 2, UV index 2–3); lives in partial shade

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×40 cm for one animal or a small group (from breeding reports); structured with a humid zone

Substrate

Two thirds stone and sand, one third permanently damp soil with real plants; plenty of pieces of bark

Feeding

Food

Small insects, spiders, worms, isopods

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles (almost) daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 15 cm total length (SVL max. ~5 cm, the tail twice as long)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–8 years

Origin

The Peloponnese and the Ionian Islands (Greece), endemic

Protection status

Bern Convention Appendix II; protected in the EU. Proof of origin or captive breeding is required; check regional registration duties.

Brumation

A cool rest period helps (about 2–3 months at 8–12 °C); only a mild drop is needed

Cohabitation

Keep as a pair or as a harem (one male with two females, successfully documented in a breeding report) in a structured enclosure with a humid zone - but never two males together.

Notes

A small, semi-shaded humid climbing species – it needs a permanently damp zone plus a basking spot; no permanent dry heat. Very rarely kept, and some husbandry data come from a single breeding report (medium confidence).

Do you keep this species?

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

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Related species

• Dalmatian algyroides (Algyroides nigropunctatus) – Intermediate
• Pygmy algyroides (Algyroides fitzingeri) – Expert
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
• Sawtail lizard (Holaspis guentheri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Greek algyroides (Algyroides moreoticus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm for one animal or a small group (from breeding reports); structured with a humid zone), substrate (Two thirds stone and sand, one third permanently damp soil with real plants; plenty of pieces of bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.