Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus)

Short answers

Large psammodromus: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×50 cm.

Large psammodromus: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 14–18 °C.

Large psammodromus: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 6 %).

Large psammodromus: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 5–8 years.

Large psammodromus: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

14–18 °C

Basking spot

35 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×50 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with leaf litter, stones and low shrubs

Feeding

Food

Insects

Feeding interval

adults every other day

Key facts

Adult size

20–30 cm total length, of which about two-thirds is tail

Life expectancy

5–8 years

Origin

The Iberian Peninsula, north-western Africa – maquis

Protection status

Protected in parts of its range

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–12 °C

Cohabitation

Pair or 1.2. Two males do not work together – they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is seriously injured or permanently sits in a corner. One male with several females, on the other hand, usually works well. Several basking and hiding spots are important so that lower-ranking animals can get out of the way, and feed separately as soon as the animals differ in size.

Notes

A Mediterranean species with a genuine winter rest. It hides a lot in the leaf litter – it needs ground structure rather than open space.

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

• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
• Sawtail lizard (Holaspis guentheri) – Intermediate
• Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) – Intermediate
• Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) – Intermediate
• Gran Canaria giant lizard (Gallotia stehlini) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter, stones and low shrubs), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.