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Iberian rock lizard (Iberolacerta monticola)

Iberian rock lizard (Iberolacerta monticola), typical appearance of the species

Lizards · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Iberian rock lizard (Iberolacerta monticola) (origin: North-western Iberia (northern Portugal, north-western Spain), mountains usually at 1,500–2,000 m; cool, humid rock habitats). Adult size around total length up to approx. 21 cm (SVL ~7–8 cm). Life expectancy approx. 6–10 years (little documented in captivity). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Iberian rock lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

One animal from approx. 80×40×60 cm, rocky and vertical (a climbing and crevice specialist).

Iberian rock lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C (local basking spot), at night 12–16 °C.

Iberian rock lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).

Iberian rock lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 6–10 years (little documented in captivity).

Iberian rock lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–26 °C
Night temperature
12–16 °C
Basking spot
30–35 °C (local basking spot)
Humidity
60–80 % (cool and humid, montane)
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size
one animal from approx. 80×40×60 cm, rocky and vertical (a climbing and crevice specialist)
Substrate
A loam and sand mix with plenty of stone slabs, rock structures and crevices; damp areas and moss

Feeding

Food
Small insects and spiders (small house crickets, flies, wax moth larvae, spiders)
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
total length up to approx. 21 cm (SVL ~7–8 cm)
Life expectancy
approx. 6–10 years (little documented in captivity)
Origin
North-western Iberia (northern Portugal, north-western Spain), mountains usually at 1,500–2,000 m; cool, humid rock habitats
Protection status
Habitats Directive Annex IV → strictly protected in Germany; proof of origin and registration (a stock declaration) with the nature conservation authority; taking from the wild is prohibited. Hardly ever in the trade.
Brumation
A long montane winter rest (about 3–4 months) at 4–8 °C
Cohabitation
Keep singly or as a pair at most (1.1) in a large, damp, rocky terrarium; males are documented as territorial during the breeding season and do not tolerate each other long-term.

Notes

A cool-loving mountain species, hard to keep properly free of warmth in summer; very rare in the hobby. The husbandry figures are derived from its natural habitat and by analogy with montane rock lizards – to be treated as uncertain.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Iberian rock lizard (Iberolacerta monticola) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (one animal from approx. 80×40×60 cm, rocky and vertical (a climbing and crevice specialist)), substrate (A loam and sand mix with plenty of stone slabs, rock structures and crevices; damp areas and moss), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

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Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_rock_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Iberolacerta&species=monticola

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).