Green spiny lizard (Sceloporus malachiticus)

Short answers

Green spiny lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×70 cm.

Green spiny lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 38–40 °C, at night 15–19 °C.

Green spiny lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6–10 %).

Green spiny lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 years.

Green spiny lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

15–19 °C

Basking spot

38–40 °C

Humidity

55–70 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6–10 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×70 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with stones, roots, climbing structure

Feeding

Food

Insects

Feeding interval

adults 4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–20 cm

Life expectancy

6–10 years

Origin

Central America – montane forest

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the least stressful option. One male with one or two females (1,2) is also possible if every animal gets its own basking spot and hide, and animals of different sizes are fed separately. Two males do not get on: they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner.

Notes

Brilliant green, from the uplands – it needs cool nights, otherwise it is short-lived. Live-bearing.

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

• Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus cyanogenys) – Intermediate
• Clark's spiny lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) – Beginner
• Eastern spiny lizard (Sceloporus spinosus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) – Beginner
• Fire-headed spiny lizard (Sceloporus pyrocephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus serrifer) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Green spiny lizard (Sceloporus malachiticus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×70 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with stones, roots, climbing structure), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.