Knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis)

Short answers

Knob-scaled lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 80×50×50 cm.

Knob-scaled lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–25 °C, at night 16–18 °C.

Knob-scaled lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Not essential (weak UVB is possible).

Knob-scaled lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Knob-scaled lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–25 °C

Night temperature

16–18 °C

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

Not essential (weak UVB is possible)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 80×50×50 cm

Substrate

Humus with leaf litter, narrow rock crevices as hides

Feeding

Food

Insects, especially soft-bodied prey

Feeding interval

Adults 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–20 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Mexico (cloud forest)

Protection status

—

Brumation

Yes, a cool spell at 14–16 °C

Cohabitation

Keep as a pair - males never together. The species is notably territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics: several males fight over the same rock crevice until one is injured or permanently yields. Females tolerate each other better but need their own crevice each and separate feeding if sizes differ.

Notes

A crevice dweller from the cloud forest: cool, permanently humid and dark. Warmth and dryness are the commonest cause of death in captivity. Not one for a normal desert or rainforest tank.

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

• Yellow-spotted night lizard (Lepidophyma flavimaculatum) – Intermediate
• Granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi) – Intermediate
• Chinese crocodile lizard (Shinisaurus crocodilurus) – Experts
• Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Amur grass lizard (Takydromus amurensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Knob-scaled lizard (Xenosaurus grandis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 80×50×50 cm), substrate (Humus with leaf litter, narrow rock crevices as 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.