Island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana) (origin: The Channel Islands off California). Adult size around 15–19 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Island night lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a pair.
Island night lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot — at most a warm corner up to 28 °C, at night 15–18 °C.
Island night lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Weak UVB recommended.
Island night lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Island night lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 15–18 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot — at most a warm corner up to 28 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Weak UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix with flat stone and bark hides
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, house crickets and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–19 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- The Channel Islands off California
- Protection status
- Protected under California state law — check the origin
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Group housing possible; never males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding places each; feed separately if there is a size difference.
Notes
Markedly larger than the mainland species, and partly plant-eating.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi) – Intermediate
- Sandstone night lizard (Xantusia gracilis) – Intermediate
- Desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis) – Intermediate
- Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
- Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
- Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
- Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
- Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix with flat stone and bark hides), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Island_night_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Xantusia&species=riversiana
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).