Panamint alligator lizard (Elgaria panamintina)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Panamint alligator lizard (Elgaria panamintina) (origin: California, the Panamint Range). Adult size around 25–32 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Panamint alligator lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a pair.
Panamint alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 14–18 °C.
Panamint alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Panamint alligator lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Panamint alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 14–18 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix with a damp corner, leaf litter and stones
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, house crickets and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 25–32 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- California, the Panamint Range
- Protection status
- Protected under California state law — check the origin
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Kept in pairs (1.1); males never together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.
Notes
It lives at springs and streams in the middle of the desert. It needs damp retreats.
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Related species
- Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
- Baja California alligator lizard (Elgaria paucicarinata) – Intermediate
- Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) – Intermediate
- Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) – Beginner
- Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
- Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
- Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
- Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Panamint alligator lizard (Elgaria panamintina) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix with a damp corner, leaf litter and 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panamint_alligator_lizard, https://schechterguides.com/herp-guide/species/elgaria-panamintina
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).