Small-scaled false garden lizard (Pseudocalotes microlepis)
Agamas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Small-scaled false garden lizard (Pseudocalotes microlepis) (origin: Southern China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam; montane forest). Adult size around approx. 18–25 cm including the tail. Life expectancy estimated at 8–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Small-scaled false garden lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
60×40×60 cm (arboreal, tall; larger is better).
Small-scaled false garden lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 28–30 °C (mild warm spot), at night 16–20 °C.
Small-scaled false garden lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).
Small-scaled false garden lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: estimated at 8–10 years.
Small-scaled false garden lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- 28–30 °C (mild warm spot)
- Humidity
- 70–95 %
- UVB
- UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 60×40×60 cm (arboreal, tall; larger is better)
- Substrate
- Peat or coco fibre, or a tropical mix, moisture-retaining, with moss and leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- Small insects (crickets, house crickets, roach nymphs, wax or mealworms)
- Feeding interval
- juveniles daily, adults every 1–2 days; calcium daily, vitamins weekly
Key facts
- Adult size
- approx. 18–25 cm including the tail
- Life expectancy
- estimated at 8–10 years
- Origin
- Southern China, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam; montane forest
- Protection status
- No CITES; observe the national rules of the countries of origin
- Brumation
- A slight cool rest period is possible depending on the altitude
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly, or as a pair (1.1) of the same size; never two males together (territorial); two females usually get on
Notes
Weak limbs and a delicate climber – dense planting and thin branches. A cool, humid montane forest climate; avoid heat. The figures are largely carried over from the related P. brevipes (care sheet).
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Small-scaled false garden lizard (Pseudocalotes microlepis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Short-legged false garden lizard (Pseudocalotes brevipes) – Intermediate
- Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) – Intermediate
- Spotted butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata) – Intermediate
- Painted dragon (Ctenophorus pictus) – Intermediate
- Common flying dragon (Draco volans) – Expert
- Green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) – Intermediate
- Himalayan agama (Paralaudakia himalayana) – Intermediate
- Horsfield's salea (Salea horsfieldii) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Small-scaled false garden lizard (Pseudocalotes microlepis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (60×40×60 cm (arboreal, tall; larger is better)), substrate (Peat or coco fibre, or a tropical mix, moisture-retaining, with moss and leaf litter), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudocalotes_brevipes, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudocalotes_microlepis
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).