Sandstone night lizard (Xantusia gracilis)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Sandstone night lizard (Xantusia gracilis) (origin: Anza-Borrego, California). Adult size around 8–11 cm. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sandstone night lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a pair.
Sandstone night lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–28 °C, basking spot No basking spot — at most a warm corner up to 29 °C, at night 16–19 °C.
Sandstone night lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Not essential, weak UVB is possible.
Sandstone night lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
Sandstone night lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–19 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot — at most a warm corner up to 29 °C
- Humidity
- 35–55 %
- UVB
- Not essential, weak UVB is possible
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a pair
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix with narrow rock crevices
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, roaches, house crickets and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–11 cm
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- Anza-Borrego, California
- Protection status
- Protected under California state law — check the origin
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Group housing of females possible; never males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hiding places until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner. Females usually get along but need their own hiding places each; feed separately if there is a size difference.
Notes
A tiny range in sandstone crevices.
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Related species
- Granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi) – Intermediate
- Island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana) – Intermediate
- Desert night lizard (Xantusia vigilis) – Intermediate
- Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
- Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
- Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
- Artvin lizard (Darevskia derjugini) – Intermediate
- Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Sandstone night lizard (Xantusia gracilis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a pair), substrate (A sand-loam mix with narrow rock crevices), 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/Xantusia_gracilis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Xantusia&species=gracilis
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).