Pygmy algyroides (Algyroides fitzingeri)

Short answers

Pygmy algyroides: How big does the enclosure need to be?

50–60×40×40 cm, densely planted with moss, bark, leaf litter and shaded zones.

Pygmy algyroides: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–27 °C, basking spot 28–32 °C (mild, avoid overheating), at night 15–19 °C.

Pygmy algyroides: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended, moderate (Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–3; offer plenty of shade).

Pygmy algyroides: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: probably approx. 4–6 years in captivity (little documented).

Pygmy algyroides: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–27 °C

Night temperature

15–19 °C

Basking spot

28–32 °C (mild, avoid overheating)

Humidity

60–80 % (humid and shaded)

UVB

UVB recommended, moderate (Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–3; offer plenty of shade)

Enclosure

Minimum size

50–60×40×40 cm, densely planted with moss, bark, leaf litter and shaded zones

Substrate

Humus-rich forest floor or leaf litter with moss, permanently slightly damp; dense planting

Feeding

Food

Small insects, preferably ants and small beetles, springtails, small crickets

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

very small, up to ~13 cm total length (SVL ~4.5–5 cm)

Life expectancy

probably approx. 4–6 years in captivity (little documented)

Origin

Endemic to Corsica and Sardinia, humid shaded maquis and forest from sea level to ~1,800 m

Protection status

Strictly protected (Habitats Directive Annex IV, Bern Convention); only documented captive-bred animals

Brumation

A mild winter rest: about 2 months at 8–10 °C

Cohabitation

Keeping it singly is unproblematic; one male with 1(-2) females in a well-structured, densely planted humid enclosure also works - but never males together.

Notes

A tiny, hidden-living keeled-lizard specialist of damp, shady microhabitats (do not keep it dry or hot!). Rarely kept – the care figures are derived from its natural habitat, with medium confidence. Micro-food is needed.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Dalmatian algyroides (Algyroides nigropunctatus) – Intermediate
• Greek algyroides (Algyroides moreoticus) – Intermediate
• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
• Sawtail lizard (Holaspis guentheri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Pygmy algyroides (Algyroides fitzingeri) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (50–60×40×40 cm, densely planted with moss, bark, leaf litter and shaded zones), substrate (Humus-rich forest floor or leaf litter with moss, permanently slightly damp; dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.