Masked curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus personatus)

Short answers

Masked curly-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×60×100 cm for a pair.

Masked curly-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 27–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 38–42 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Masked curly-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Masked curly-tailed lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–12 years.

Masked curly-tailed 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 38–42 °C

Humidity

45–65 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×60×100 cm for a pair

Substrate

Forest-floor substrate with climbing branches; for the dry-country species sand-loam with stones

Feeding

Food

Crickets, roaches, locusts and house crickets; the larger species also take plant food

Feeding interval

adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–22 cm

Life expectancy

6–12 years

Origin

Hispaniola

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

No winter rest; somewhat cooler in winter

Cohabitation

A pair (1.1) or a harem (1.2); males never together. Reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently cornered. Females generally get along but need their own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

It rolls its tail over its back. A dry-scrub species, very active.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Masked curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus personatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Barahona curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus barahonensis) – Intermediate
• Northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus) – Intermediate
• Red-sided curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus schreibersii) – Intermediate
• Bibron's tree iguana (Liolaemus bibronii) – Intermediate
• Blue tree iguana (Uracentron azureum) – Expert
• Painted tree iguana (Liolaemus pictus) – Intermediate
• Thin tree iguana (Liolaemus tenuis) – Intermediate
• Chilean tree iguana (Liolaemus chiliensis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Masked curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus personatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×60×100 cm for a pair), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with climbing branches; for the dry-country species sand-loam with stones), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.