Thracian sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus thracius)

Short answers

Thracian sheltopusik: How big does the enclosure need to be?

180×60×60 cm for one adult animal (wide and ground-oriented), larger is better.

Thracian sheltopusik: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C, basking spot 35–40 °C (basking spot), at night 18–22 °C.

Thracian sheltopusik: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4).

Thracian sheltopusik: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 20–30 years, individuals over 50 years.

Thracian sheltopusik: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–30 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35–40 °C (basking spot)

Humidity

40–60 % during the day, 60–80 % at night

UVB

UVB needed (Ferguson zone 2–3, UV index 2–4)

Enclosure

Minimum size

180×60×60 cm for one adult animal (wide and ground-oriented), larger is better

Substrate

A sand, loam and soil mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots, cork tubes and hiding places

Feeding

Food

Snails (preferred), earthworms, large insects, occasionally small rodents or chicks and a little fruit (an omnivorous tendency)

Feeding interval

adults 2–3×/week, juveniles more often

Key facts

Adult size

up to approx. 120 cm, rarely up to 135 cm total length (the largest anguid); with vestigial hind-limb stumps

Life expectancy

20–30 years, individuals over 50 years

Origin

South-eastern Europe and the Balkans to the Near East and Central Asia; the subspecies thracius comes from the Balkans (Thrace). Dry, stony, scrubby slopes

Protection status

Not in CITES; no nationwide special requirements in Germany. Nationally protected in several countries of origin – prefer captive-bred animals with proof of origin

Brumation

A winter rest is recommended: about 2–4 months at 8–13 °C, in darkness (October/November to February/March), with 2–4 weeks of transition either side – it benefits vitality and breeding

Cohabitation

Keep them singly or as a 1.1 pair in a very large enclosure with visual barriers. NEVER keep males together (rival fights, especially in the mating season); separate them for the winter rest or if aggression appears

Notes

A robust, powerful species with a very hard bite (snail-cracking jaws) – it can bite hard under stress, but is non-venomous. A large floor area and stable furnishing are needed. A common mistake: too small a terrarium and no winter rest. Lighting about 14 h in summer / 10 h in winter.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Thracian sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus thracius) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus) – Beginner to intermediate
• 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Thracian sheltopusik (Pseudopus apodus thracius) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (180×60×60 cm for one adult animal (wide and ground-oriented), larger is better), substrate (A sand, loam and soil mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots, cork tubes and hiding places), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.