Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) (origin: The south-western USA, northern Mexico – desert). Adult size around 25–38 cm total length. Life expectancy 6–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Long-nosed leopard lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×60 cm.
Long-nosed leopard lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–37 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 16–21 °C.
Long-nosed leopard lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Long-nosed leopard lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–10 years.
Long-nosed leopard lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–37 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 48 °C
- Humidity
- 25–40 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×60 cm
- Substrate
- Sand they can dig in, flat stones, dry twigs
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, small lizards
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–38 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 6–10 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA, northern Mexico – desert
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–14 °C
- Cohabitation
- A pair; males kept strictly apart. 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 slender desert hunter with a leopard pattern; it actively hunts other lizards too. Gravid females show brilliant orange spots. Keep it singly or as a pair, and never with smaller species.
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Related species
- Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) – Expert
- Grand Cayman blue iguana (Cyclura lewisi) – Expert
- Common chuckwalla (Sauromalus ater) – Intermediate
- Cape spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura hemilopha) – Intermediate
- Fiji banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) – Expert
- Green iguana (Iguana iguana) – Intermediate to expert
- Guatemalan spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura palearis) – Expert
- Helmeted iguana (Corytophanes cristatus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm), substrate (Sand they can dig in, flat stones, dry twigs), 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/Long-nosed_leopard_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gambelia&species=wislizenii
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).