Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni)
Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni) (origin: Sri Lanka – rainforest floor). Adult size around 12–17 cm total length. Life expectancy 4–7 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×50×60 cm.
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 24–29 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 19–22 °C.
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 4–7 years.
Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 24–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×50×60 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus with a thick layer of leaf litter, low branches, planting
Feeding
- Food
- Small house crickets, crickets, firebrats
- Feeding interval
- daily to every other day
Key facts
- Adult size
- 12–17 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 4–7 years
- Origin
- Sri Lanka – rainforest floor
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES; export from Sri Lanka is prohibited
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Harem (1,2). Zwei Männchen gehen nicht zusammen — sie kämpfen um Revier und Wärmeplatz, bis eines ernsthaft verletzt ist oder dauerhaft in der Ecke sitzt. Ein Männchen mit mehreren Weibchen funktioniert dagegen zuverlässig. Wichtig sind mehrere Wärme- und Versteckplätze, damit rangniedere Tiere ausweichen können, und getrenntes Füttern, sobald die Tiere unterschiedlich groß sind.
Notes
When fleeing it runs on its hind legs – hence the name. A rainforest ground dweller: a thick leaf layer rather than tall climbing structure, subdued light and high humidity.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- 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
- Kakhien salea (Salea kakhienensis) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Sri Lankan kangaroo lizard (Otocryptis wiegmanni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×50×60 cm), substrate (Coco humus with a thick layer of leaf litter, low branches, planting), 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/Otocryptis_wiegmanni, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Otocryptis&species=wiegmanni
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).