Yellow-throated plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus flavigularis)
Lizards · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Yellow-throated plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus flavigularis) (origin: Eastern and southern Africa – savannah). Adult size around 35–45 cm total length. Life expectancy 12–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yellow-throated plated lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×50 cm.
Yellow-throated plated lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot 42 °C, at night 17–21 °C.
Yellow-throated plated lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Yellow-throated plated lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 12–20 years.
Yellow-throated plated lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 17–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 42 °C
- Humidity
- 45–60 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×50 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam they can dig in, tussocks of grass, flat stones
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, a little fruit and leafy greens
- Feeding interval
- 3–4×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 35–45 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 12–20 years
- Origin
- Eastern and southern Africa – savannah
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 6–8 weeks
- Cohabitation
- A pair or 1.2. Two males will not work together — they fight over territory and the warm spot until one is seriously injured or spends its life in a corner. One male with several females, on the other hand, works reliably. What matters is several warm spots and hides so that subordinate animals can get out of the way, and separate feeding as soon as the animals differ in size.
Notes
A slender, very active savannah lizard with a brilliant yellow throat in the male. It likes to dig – plan for deeper substrate. Straightforward and a good way into the family.
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Related species
- Black-lined plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus nigrolineatus) – Beginner
- Rough-scaled plated lizard (Broadleysaurus major) – Intermediate
- Madagascar keeled plated lizard (Tracheloptychus madagascariensis) – Intermediate
- Broad-tailed girdled lizard (Zonosaurus laticaudatus) – Intermediate
- Madagascar girdled lizard (Zonosaurus madagascariensis) – Beginner
- Giant plated lizard (Matobosaurus validus) – Intermediate
- Four-lined girdled lizard (Zonosaurus quadrilineatus) – Intermediate
- Jones' girdled lizard (Cordylus jonesii) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep Yellow-throated plated lizard (Gerrhosaurus flavigularis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam they can dig in, tussocks of grass, flat stones), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow-throated_plated_lizard, https://herpetoculturenetwork.com/the-yellow-throated-plated-lizards/, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Gerrhosaurus&species=flavigularis
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).