Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis)

Short answers

Ibiza wall lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×60 cm for one animal; larger and heavily structured for a pair or trio.

Ibiza wall lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Ibiza wall lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB is essential (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5 at the basking spot).

Ibiza wall lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–12 years.

Ibiza wall lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–30 °C

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

UVB is essential (Ferguson zone 3, UV index 3–5 at the basking spot)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×60 cm for one animal; larger and heavily structured for a pair or trio

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with stones, dry-stone walls, rock and climbing structures, sparse dry vegetation

Feeding

Food

Insects, isopods and other arthropods; a clear plant share (flowers, fruit, pollen)

Feeding interval

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

Key facts

Adult size

up to approx. 25 cm total length (depends on the island, sometimes stocky)

Life expectancy

approx. 8–12 years

Origin

The Pityusic Islands (Ibiza, Formentera) and surrounding islands (the Balearics), endemic

Protection status

Habitats Directive Annexes II and IV – strictly protected. Keeping it is permitted in Germany, but requires a permit and registration; report it to the nature conservation authority immediately after purchase, and proof of origin or legal captive breeding is mandatory.

Brumation

Mild island winters – a short rest period (about 4–8 weeks at 10–15 °C) is enough and helpful; no hard cold spell is needed

Cohabitation

A pair (1.1) is recommended per the source data; one male with several females also works in a large, strongly structured enclosure with sight barriers - but never two males together.

Notes

A strictly protected island endemic – clarify the legal requirements (registration, permit) in advance without fail. Markedly more plant-eating than other wall lizards; it needs warmth and a basking spot.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Bocage's wall lizard (Podarcis bocagei) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Carbonell's wall lizard (Podarcis carbonelli) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Geniez's wall lizard (Podarcis virescens) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Guadarrama wall lizard (Podarcis guadarramae) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Ionian wall lizard (Podarcis ionicus) – Beginner with some knowledge

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Ibiza wall lizard (Podarcis pityusensis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×60 cm for one animal; larger and heavily structured for a pair or trio), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stones, dry-stone walls, rock and climbing structures, sparse dry vegetation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.