Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis)

Short answers

Sand lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

An outdoor enclosure is ideal; indoors at least 120×60×70 cm for a pair, at least 180×90×90 cm for a group.

Sand lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C (local basking spot), at night 12–18 °C.

Sand lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 3–5); in an outdoor enclosure, natural sun.

Sand lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–12 years in captivity.

Sand lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

12–18 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C (local basking spot)

Humidity

50–70 %

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 3–5); in an outdoor enclosure, natural sun

Enclosure

Minimum size

an outdoor enclosure is ideal; indoors at least 120×60×70 cm for a pair, at least 180×90×90 cm for a group

Substrate

A sand-loam mix with tussocks of grass, stones, roots, open sunny spots and damp egg-laying sites

Feeding

Food

Insects and invertebrates (crickets, locusts, beetles, spiders, caterpillars, worms)

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

up to ~20–24 cm total length (SVL ~9 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–12 years in captivity

Origin

Europe to Central Asia; hedgerows, banks, poor grassland; native throughout Germany

Protection status

Strictly protected (Habitats Directive Annex IV, §44 of the German Federal Nature Conservation Act); with prohibitions on interference, only documented captive-bred animals with proof of origin, and registration with the authority

Brumation

A winter rest is essential: 4–5 months at ~4–8 °C

Cohabitation

A pair is the least stressful option; a harem (one male with 3-4 females) also works in a large, well-structured (outdoor) enclosure with sight barriers - but never two males together, otherwise territorial fights occur especially during the mating season.

Notes

A native, strictly protected species – keep it only as a legal, documented captive-bred animal. An outdoor terrarium is strongly recommended. The males have green flanks in the mating season. The commonest mistake: wild collection (illegal), too warm, and no genuine winter rest.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
• Schreiber's green lizard (Lacerta schreiberi) – Intermediate
• Caspian green lizard (Lacerta strigata) – Intermediate
• Caucasian green lizard (Lacerta media) – Intermediate
• Eastern green lizard (Lacerta viridis viridis) – Intermediate
• European green lizard (Lacerta viridis) – Beginner to intermediate
• Western green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an outdoor enclosure is ideal; indoors at least 120×60×70 cm for a pair, at least 180×90×90 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with tussocks of grass, stones, roots, open sunny spots and damp egg-laying sites), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.