Karsten's girdled lizard (Zonosaurus karsteni)

Short answers

Karsten's girdled lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×50 cm for a pair.

Karsten's girdled lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 36–40 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Karsten's girdled lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Karsten's girdled lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–15 years.

Karsten's girdled lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

27–32 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

Basking spot 36–40 °C

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×50 cm for a pair

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with roots and a shallow water section

Feeding

Food

Crickets, roaches, house crickets and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

25–35 cm

Life expectancy

8–15 years

Origin

Western and southern Madagascar

Protection status

CITES II — proof of origin required

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter

Cohabitation

A pair or 1.2; males never together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

A dry-forest species, less humid than the rainforest forms.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Karsten's girdled lizard (Zonosaurus karsteni) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Bronze plated lizard (Zonosaurus aeneus) – Intermediate
• Giant plated lizard (Zonosaurus maximus) – Intermediate
• Broad-tailed girdled lizard (Zonosaurus laticaudatus) – Intermediate
• Madagascar girdled lizard (Zonosaurus madagascariensis) – Beginner
• Ornate girdled lizard (Zonosaurus ornatus) – Intermediate
• Four-lined girdled lizard (Zonosaurus quadrilineatus) – Intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Karsten's girdled lizard (Zonosaurus karsteni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix with roots and a shallow water section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.