Zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides) (origin: The south-western USA and north-western Mexico). Adult size around 15–23 cm. Life expectancy 5–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Zebra-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×60 cm for a group.
Zebra-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 27–33 °C, basking spot Basking spot 42–48 °C, at night 15–20 °C.
Zebra-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0).
Zebra-tailed lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–10 years.
Zebra-tailed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 27–33 °C
- Night temperature
- 15–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 42–48 °C
- Humidity
- 30–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×60 cm for a group
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots and a few twigs
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches and locusts, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–23 cm
- Life expectancy
- 5–10 years
- Origin
- The south-western USA and north-western Mexico
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–12 weeks at 10–15 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is least stressful. There is little evidence of male rivalry for this species itself; anyone wanting to keep several should put one male with one or two females in a sufficiently large, richly structured terrarium and watch for compatibility.
Notes
When excited it rolls its banded tail over its back. Extremely fast; it needs open sand.
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- Bahoruco anole (Anolis bahorucoensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×60 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots and a few twigs), 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/Zebra-tailed_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Callisaurus&species=draconoides
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).