Torquate lizard (Sceloporus torquatus)

Short answers

Torquate lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×60 cm.

Torquate lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 42 °C, at night 15–20 °C.

Torquate lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).

Torquate lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 years.

Torquate lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

15–20 °C

Basking spot

42 °C

Humidity

45–60 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size

100×50×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam, stacked stone slabs, pieces of bark

Feeding

Food

House crickets, crickets, roaches

Feeding interval

3–4×/week

Key facts

Adult size

18–26 cm total length

Life expectancy

6–10 years

Origin

Central Mexico – highlands

Protection status

Not listed under CITES

Brumation

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

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the least stressful option. One male with one or two females (1,2) is also possible if every animal gets its own basking spot and hide, and animals of different sizes are fed separately. Two males do not get on: they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner.

Notes

A live-bearing highland species with a strong black collar. Cooler nights and a genuine winter rest are a precondition for breeding.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Torquate lizard (Sceloporus torquatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Bunch-grass lizard (Sceloporus mucronatus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus cyanogenys) – Intermediate
• Clark's spiny lizard (Sceloporus clarkii) – Beginner
• Eastern spiny lizard (Sceloporus spinosus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Crevice spiny lizard (Sceloporus poinsettii) – Beginner
• Fire-headed spiny lizard (Sceloporus pyrocephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) – Beginner with some knowledge
• Blue spiny lizard (Sceloporus serrifer) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Torquate lizard (Sceloporus torquatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, stacked stone slabs, pieces of bark), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.