Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata)

Short answers

Southern alligator lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm.

Southern alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 13–18 °C.

Southern alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).

Southern alligator lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years.

Southern alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

22–28 °C

Night temperature

13–18 °C

Basking spot

35 °C

Humidity

55–70 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

80×40×40 cm

Substrate

Forest floor and sand with leaf litter, pieces of bark, low branches

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, earthworms, slugs

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

25–40 cm total length

Life expectancy

10–15 years

Origin

California to Washington (USA)

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 6–12 °C

Cohabitation

A pair; keep males strictly apart. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

Elongated with a distinct lateral fold and a prehensile tail. To be kept cooler than most terrarium lizards, and with a genuine winter rest. It bites firmly when pressed.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – Intermediate
• Baja California alligator lizard (Elgaria paucicarinata) – Intermediate
• Northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) – Intermediate
• Panamint alligator lizard (Elgaria panamintina) – Intermediate
• Asian glass lizard (Dopasia gracilis) – Intermediate
• Slow worm (Anguis fragilis) – Intermediate
• Hart's glass lizard (Dopasia harti) – Intermediate
• Italian slow worm (Anguis veronensis) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm), substrate (Forest floor and sand with leaf litter, pieces of bark, low branches), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.