Modest forest dragon (Hypsilurus modestus)

Short answers

Modest forest dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×60×120 cm for a pair.

Modest forest dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 30 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Modest forest dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (5–6 %).

Modest forest dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–10 years.

Modest forest dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–29 °C

Night temperature

20–23 °C

Basking spot

30 °C

Humidity

75–90 %

UVB

UVB needed (5–6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×60×120 cm for a pair

Substrate

Coco humus with leaf litter, permanently damp

Feeding

Food

Crickets, house crickets, roaches, wax moths

Feeding interval

adults 2–3× a week; mist several times a day

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 30–35 cm total length

Life expectancy

approx. 8–10 years

Origin

New Guinea

Protection status

Not listed under CITES; mostly wild-caught animals

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

In pairs (1.1) or 1.2; males are incompatible. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs her own basking and hiding spots; feed separately if they differ in size.

Notes

The smallest and so the most keepable Hypsilurus species; still tricky to settle in.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Modest forest dragon (Hypsilurus modestus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Eared forest dragon (Hypsilurus auritus) – Expert
• Bruijn's forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) – Expert
• Indonesian forest dragon (Hypsilurus dilophus) – Expert
• Geelvink forest dragon (Hypsilurus geelvinkianus) – Expert
• Magnus forest dragon (Hypsilurus magnus) – Expert
• Papua forest dragon (Hypsilurus papuensis) – Expert
• Schultze-Westrum's forest dragon (Hypsilurus schultzewestrumi) – Expert
• Bell's angle-headed dragon (Gonocephalus bellii) – Intermediate to expert

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Modest forest dragon (Hypsilurus modestus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×120 cm for a pair), substrate (Coco humus with leaf litter, permanently damp), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.