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Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia ornelasi)

Lizards · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia ornelasi) (origin: Endemic to Oaxaca, southern Mexico; montane cloud forest at ~1,500–1,600 m). Adult size around total length ~20–25 cm (SVL ~10 cm). Life expectancy approx. 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80×60×80 cm (arboreal, height matters; for 1–2 animals).

Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot 28–30 °C (cool basking spot; above 32 °C heat build-up becomes life-threatening), at night 14–18 °C.

Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (low to moderate, Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–3).

Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–15 years.

Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
20–26 °C
Night temperature
14–18 °C
Basking spot
28–30 °C (cool basking spot; above 32 °C heat build-up becomes life-threatening)
Humidity
70–90 % (well ventilated, let it dry out at times)
UVB
UVB needed (low to moderate, Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–3)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×60×80 cm (arboreal, height matters; for 1–2 animals)
Substrate
Sphagnum moss with coco humus or chips, damp but airy

Feeding

Food
Insects (crickets, house crickets, roaches, snails, caterpillars), low in protein and well supplemented with vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 2–3×/week, juveniles approx. 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
total length ~20–25 cm (SVL ~10 cm)
Life expectancy
approx. 10–15 years
Origin
Endemic to Oaxaca, southern Mexico; montane cloud forest at ~1,500–1,600 m
Protection status
CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B; proof of origin plus registration required, captive-bred animals only
Brumation
No real winter rest; a slight winter cooling to stimulate breeding
Cohabitation
Keep them singly or as a pair (1.1); NEVER keep males together (territorial fights); live-bearing (ovoviviparous)

Notes

Very rarely kept, and the care figures are largely derived from the genus. A cool cloud-forest species, sensitive to overheating and waterlogging (skin and fungal infections on the tail and legs). Despite high humidity, good ventilation; outdoor keeping in summer is ideal.

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What you need to start

To keep Ornelas' arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia ornelasi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×60×80 cm (arboreal, height matters; for 1–2 animals)), substrate (Sphagnum moss with coco humus or chips, damp but airy), 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abronia_(lizard), https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Abronia&species=ornelasi, 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).