Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis)

Short answers

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

100×50×50 cm.

Texas alligator lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–31 °C, basking spot 38 °C, at night 15–20 °C.

Texas alligator lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Texas alligator lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–20 years.

Texas alligator lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–31 °C

Night temperature

15–20 °C

Basking spot

38 °C

Humidity

50–65 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×50 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam with leaf litter, stone slabs, climbing branches

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches, earthworms

Feeding interval

3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

40–60 cm total length

Life expectancy

10–20 years

Origin

Texas, northern Mexico – limestone rock

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks at 8–14 °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

The largest alligator lizard, with a strong prehensile tail – it climbs markedly more than the Elgaria species. A calm temperament, robust and long-lived.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Madrean alligator lizard (Elgaria kingii) – 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
• California legless lizard (Anniella pulchra) – Intermediate
• Moroccan glass lizard (Ophisaurus koellikeri) – Intermediate
• Imbricate alligator lizard (Barisia imbricata) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Texas alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus infernalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam with leaf litter, stone slabs, climbing 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.