Snake-eyed lizard (Ophisops elegans)

Short answers

Snake-eyed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm, plenty of floor area (ground-dwelling, hardly climbs).

Snake-eyed lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Snake-eyed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed, high (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6).

Snake-eyed lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 4–6 years in captivity.

Snake-eyed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

40–45 °C

Humidity

40–60 % (dry, with a humid floor zone)

UVB

UVB needed, high (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×40 cm, plenty of floor area (ground-dwelling, hardly climbs)

Substrate

A sand or sand-loam mix, the lower layer slightly damp; flat stones, sparse dry vegetation

Feeding

Food

Small insects (crickets, house crickets, flies, small locusts), spiders

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

small, ~15–18 cm total length (SVL up to ~6 cm, the tail ~2× the body)

Life expectancy

approx. 4–6 years in captivity

Origin

South-eastern Europe (the Balkans, the Aegean), the Near East, to Central Asia; open, sunny dry habitats

Protection status

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

Brumation

A mild winter rest is recommended: about 2–3 months at 8–12 °C

Cohabitation

Keep them singly, or one male plus one or two females in a large enough floor enclosure; the males are territorial and NEVER kept together

Notes

A very fast, heat-loving ground lizard with a transparent, fused "snake" lower eyelid. Rarely kept – the care figures are derived from its natural habitat and comparable dry-country lacertids, hence medium confidence. It needs a strong warmth and UV gradient.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Snake-eyed lizard (Ophisops elegans) in the marketplace →

Related species

• 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
• Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) – Intermediate
• Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Snake-eyed lizard (Ophisops elegans) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm, plenty of floor area (ground-dwelling, hardly climbs)), substrate (A sand or sand-loam mix, the lower layer slightly damp; flat stones, sparse dry vegetation), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.