Six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata)
Lizards · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) (origin: The south-eastern USA). Adult size around 15–24 cm. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Six-lined racerunner: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 120×60×60 cm.
Six-lined racerunner: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 40–42 °C, at night 18–21 °C.
Six-lined racerunner: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (T5 6–10 %).
Six-lined racerunner: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Six-lined racerunner: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 40–42 °C
- Humidity
- 50–60 %
- UVB
- Essential (T5 6–10 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 120×60×60 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam they can dig in
Feeding
- Food
- Insects of all kinds
- Feeding interval
- Adults 4–5×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–24 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- The south-eastern USA
- Protection status
- —
- Brumation
- Yes, 8–10 weeks at 12–15 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping singly is the least stressful solution. Pairs (1.1) or one male with two females (1.2) only in a large enclosure; never males together, because dominant animals chase and bite subordinates. The females need their own heat and hiding spots each; feed separately when sizes differ.
Notes
Fast and skittish, and hardly to be caught — a species for watching. It needs a winter rest, unlike its tropical relatives.
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Related species
- Rainbow ameiva (Holcosus undulatus) – Intermediate
- Giant ameiva (Ameiva ameiva) – 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
- Baja California alligator lizard (Elgaria paucicarinata) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 120×60×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam they can dig in), 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: 8 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: Virginia Herpetological Society: Inkubation ca. 60 Tage in North Carolina – https://www.virginiaherpetologicalsociety.com/reptiles/lizards/eastern-six-lined-racerunner/index.php, Six-lined racerunner bevorzugt Temperaturen über 32°C – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-lined_racerunner, https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cnemidophorus_sexlineatus/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-lined_racerunner, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Aspidoscelis&species=sexlineatus
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).