Reptoria

Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia ochoterenai)

Lizards · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia ochoterenai) (origin: Endemic to the Mexican state of Chiapas; highland forest at about 1,800–2,300 m (Martín del Campo 1939)). Adult size around small to medium: approx. 18–25 cm total length (the tail about as long as the body); species-specific measurements are barely documented. Life expectancy genus guide figure 10–15 (up to 20) years; not documented for this species. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

Approx. 45×45×90 cm for one adult animal (arboreal, height before floor area; a well-ventilated mesh or hybrid enclosure).

Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C (highland species, rather at the lower end; permanently above 28 °C is dangerous), basking spot 28–30 °C (small, short-use basking spot; avoid overheating), at night 14–18 °C (a night-time drop matters).

Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (low, Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–2; cloud forest / partial shade).

Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: genus guide figure 10–15 (up to 20) years; not documented for this species.

Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–26 °C (highland species, rather at the lower end; permanently above 28 °C is dangerous)
Night temperature
14–18 °C (a night-time drop matters)
Basking spot
28–30 °C (small, short-use basking spot; avoid overheating)
Humidity
70–90 % (close to saturated at night), together with very good air movement
UVB
UVB recommended (low, Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–2; cloud forest / partial shade)

Enclosure

Minimum size
approx. 45×45×90 cm for one adult animal (arboreal, height before floor area; a well-ventilated mesh or hybrid enclosure)
Substrate
Moisture-retaining (coco humus or sphagnum), plenty of thin climbing branches, lianas, cork, epiphytes and bromeliads

Feeding

Food
Insectivorous: crickets, house crickets, roaches, locusts, caterpillars, small snails; dust with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week, juveniles ~daily to every other day

Key facts

Adult size
small to medium: approx. 18–25 cm total length (the tail about as long as the body); species-specific measurements are barely documented
Life expectancy
genus guide figure 10–15 (up to 20) years; not documented for this species
Origin
Endemic to the Mexican state of Chiapas; highland forest at about 1,800–2,300 m (Martín del Campo 1939)
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B (the whole genus Abronia since 2017); EU Regulation 338/97 Annex B; specially protected in Germany – proof of origin and registration required. Wild-caught animals are effectively not legally available
Brumation
A slight seasonal cooling or dry spell (a highland climate) may help; no strict winter rest or brumation is documented
Cohabitation
Keep them singly (the standard). Strictly territorial – males fight and must NEVER be kept together. A pair or harem (1.1 or 1.2) only in a very large, structured enclosure with visual barriers, by experienced keepers for breeding; females are more tolerant. There are no species-specific data for this rare species → keep them singly to be safe

Notes

IUCN Data Deficient. NO species-specific husbandry data – the figures are derived from the genus Abronia and are conservative; when in doubt, keep it cooler and well ventilated (overheating is the commonest cause of death). Not in the regular trade. Live-bearing. The husbandry figures are uncertain.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Ochoterena's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia ochoterenai) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (approx. 45×45×90 cm for one adult animal (arboreal, height before floor area; a well-ventilated mesh or hybrid enclosure)), substrate (Moisture-retaining (coco humus or sphagnum), plenty of thin climbing branches, lianas, cork, epiphytes and bromeliads), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

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Last updated: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abronia_(lizard), https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Abronia&species=ochoterenai, https://www.thebiodude.com/blogs/lizard-caresheets/arboreal-alligator-lizard-caresheet-and-bioactive-habitat-maintenance

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).