Reptoria

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor)

Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) (origin: South and South-East Asia (from Iran and Afghanistan through India to China and Indochina), widespread and invasive). Adult size around approx. 30–40 cm total length; of which only 7–10 cm is snout–vent length, the rest is tail. Life expectancy approx. 8–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Oriental garden lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×60×100 cm for one animal (a pair at least 130×80×100 cm); arboreal, tall.

Oriental garden lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C (basking spot, heliophilous), at night 20–22 °C.

Oriental garden lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (heliophilous, Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 3–5).

Oriental garden lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 8–10 years.

Oriental garden lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–32 °C
Night temperature
20–22 °C
Basking spot
40–45 °C (basking spot, heliophilous)
Humidity
60–70 % by day, up to ~90 % in the evening and at night
UVB
UVB needed (heliophilous, Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 3–5)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×60×100 cm for one animal (a pair at least 130×80×100 cm); arboreal, tall
Substrate
A coco humus or soil and sand mix with leaf litter; plenty of branches and plants to climb

Feeding

Food
Insects (crickets, locusts, roaches); omnivorous, occasionally flowers or greens
Feeding interval
adults 3–4×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 30–40 cm total length; of which only 7–10 cm is snout–vent length, the rest is tail
Life expectancy
approx. 8–10 years
Origin
South and South-East Asia (from Iran and Afghanistan through India to China and Indochina), widespread and invasive
Protection status
No CITES; no special registration duties
Brumation
A slight rest period (cooler and drier) before the mating season depending on their origin; none for tropical lowland populations
Cohabitation
A pair (1.1) or a harem group (1.2–1.3) is possible; the males are territorial → never two males together, plenty of space and visual barriers

Notes

The name "bloodsucker agama" is misleading – it is harmless; the male's head turns red or orange in the mating season. Usually wild-caught → often parasitised, so settling in and quarantine matter. A heliophilic arboreal species (unlike the shade-loving forest dragons).

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×100 cm for one animal (a pair at least 130×80×100 cm); arboreal, tall), substrate (A coco humus or soil and sand mix with leaf litter; plenty of branches and plants to climb), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: einrichtungsbeispiele.de, en.wikipedia.org, eur-lex.europa.eu, reptile-database.reptarium.cz, Oriental garden lizard - Wikipedia: 10-20 Eier, Schlupf nach 6-7 Wochen – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriental_garden_lizard

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).