Viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara)

Short answers

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

An outdoor enclosure is essential for permanent keeping; indoors only temporarily, at least ~60×40×40 cm with plenty of hides.

Viviparous lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 20–26 °C, basking spot 30–35 °C (small basking spot), at night 10–15 °C.

Viviparous lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended, moderate (Ferguson zone 2, UV index 2–3); in an outdoor enclosure, natural sun.

Viviparous lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 5–8 years in captivity (up to ~12).

Viviparous lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

20–26 °C

Night temperature

10–15 °C

Basking spot

30–35 °C (small basking spot)

Humidity

60–80 % (humid)

UVB

UVB recommended, moderate (Ferguson zone 2, UV index 2–3); in an outdoor enclosure, natural sun

Enclosure

Minimum size

an outdoor enclosure is essential for permanent keeping; indoors only temporarily, at least ~60×40×40 cm with plenty of hides

Substrate

Damp forest floor or moss, leaf litter, tussocks of grass, a small water section

Feeding

Food

Small invertebrates (small crickets, flies, spiders, isopods, small snails)

Feeding interval

adults 3–4×/week, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

up to ~18 cm total length (SVL ~6–7 cm)

Life expectancy

approx. 5–8 years in captivity (up to ~12)

Origin

Eurasia, with a huge range reaching north of the Arctic Circle; cool, humid habitats; usually live-bearing

Protection status

Specially protected (German nature conservation and species protection law), a native species; only documented captive-bred animals, registration required

Brumation

A winter rest is essential: 3–4 months at ~2–8 °C (adapted to cold)

Cohabitation

A group (one male with several females) is possible in a large, well-structured outdoor enclosure — more tolerant than many other lacertids. Avoid several males in a confined space: an excess of males has been shown to increase aggression towards females.

Notes

A cold-loving species – it cannot be kept permanently in a warm indoor terrarium; an outdoor terrarium is essential. Ovoviviparous (live-bearing). The commonest mistake is too warm and too dry.

Do you keep this species?

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Related species

• Erhard's wall lizard (Podarcis erhardii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Large psammodromus (Psammodromus algirus) – Intermediate
• Pamphylian green lizard (Lacerta pamphylica) – Intermediate
• Lilford's wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) – Expert
• Balkan green lizard (Lacerta trilineata) – Intermediate
• Sawtail lizard (Holaspis guentheri) – Intermediate
• Bosk's fringe-fingered lizard (Acanthodactylus boskianus) – Intermediate
• Spiny-footed lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Viviparous lizard (Zootoca vivipara) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (an outdoor enclosure is essential for permanent keeping; indoors only temporarily, at least ~60×40×40 cm with plenty of hides), substrate (Damp forest floor or moss, leaf litter, tussocks of grass, a small water section), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.