Spotted butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata)

Short answers

Spotted butterfly lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×80 cm for a pair; the 25–35 cm of substrate is on top of the usable height.

Spotted butterfly lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C in the gradient, cooler corner around 25 °C, basking spot 48 °C, at night 20–24 °C.

Spotted butterfly lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).

Spotted butterfly lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Spotted butterfly lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–33 °C in the gradient, cooler corner around 25 °C

Night temperature

20–24 °C

Basking spot

48 °C

Humidity

40–55 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×80 cm for a pair; the 25–35 cm of substrate is on top of the usable height

Substrate

Sand-loam 25–35 cm for burrowing, flat stones

Feeding

Food

Leafy greens, flowers, fruit, insects

Feeding interval

4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

50–70 cm total length (males; females 40–55 cm), the largest species in the genus

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Vietnam, Cambodia – coastal sand

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks

Cohabitation

In pairs (1.1) or, given plenty of space, as a harem of 1.2 – males strictly separate. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner. Females usually get along, but each needs her own basking and hiding spot; feed separately if sizes differ.

Notes

When excited it spreads brilliant orange-and-black flank folds like butterfly wings. It digs deep, multi-branched burrows – the substrate has to be very deep and compactable.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Spotted butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Common butterfly lizard (Leiolepis belliana) – Intermediate
• Red-banded butterfly lizard (Leiolepis rubritaeniata) – Intermediate
• Reeves' butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) – Intermediate
• Oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor) – Intermediate
• Painted dragon (Ctenophorus pictus) – Intermediate
• Common flying dragon (Draco volans) – Expert
• Green crested lizard (Bronchocela cristatella) – Intermediate
• Himalayan agama (Paralaudakia himalayana) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Spotted butterfly lizard (Leiolepis guttata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×80 cm for a pair; the 25–35 cm of substrate is on top of the usable height), substrate (Sand-loam 25–35 cm for burrowing, flat stones), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.