Husbandry requirements
Emerald Alligator Lizard — origin: Endemic to Mexico: high-altitude cloud forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental, states of Veracruz and Puebla, ~1,350–2,700 m. PROTECTED SPECIES: listed as 'Endangered' (IUCN) and included in CITES Appendix II (protected in the EU) — only acquire captive-bred individuals, with documentation..
Terrarium temperature gradient
A cloud-forest species: DO NOT OVERHEAT. No true basking hot spot is needed; the ambient temperature must stay cool, ideally below 26 °C and NEVER sustained above ~28 °C, at the risk of fatal hyperthermia. A slightly warmer zone (24–26 °C) is more than enough. A night-time drop is beneficial (13–16 °C; brief dips toward 10 °C are tolerated). During hot summers, provide a means of cooling the room/terrarium.
Tall, arboreal terrarium, heavily planted and strongly ventilated (bioactive recommended)
Vertical layout with plenty of branches, elevated hiding spots and bromeliads recreating the epiphytic microhabitat. Ample ventilation (large screened areas) is essential to avoid stagnant air while retaining humidity. Minimum ~45 × 45 × 60 cm for a single adult; provide larger (e.g. 60 × 45 × 90 cm) for a pair.
High humidity but paired with strong ventilation to avoid stagnant air. Daily misting (morning and/or evening), letting it partially dry out between sessions; levels can rise toward 90% at night.
A substrate that retains humidity but drains well, never waterlogged. Favour a densely planted terrarium (bromeliads, pothos, mosses, vertical branches); bioactive maintenance (isopods, springtails) is ideal for this type of species.
Yes — low to moderate UVB recommended (T5 tube ~5–6%, Ferguson zone 2–3). A diurnal high-altitude forest species: provide a gradient and large shaded areas. Replace the lamp every 6 to 12 months depending on the model.
Drinks mainly the misting droplets deposited on the foliage. Provide a small, clean water dish and/or a drip system, and maintain good ambient humidity.
Endemic to Mexico: high-altitude cloud forests of the Sierra Madre Oriental, states of Veracruz and Puebla, ~1,350–2,700 m. PROTECTED SPECIES: listed as 'Endangered' (IUCN) and included in CITES Appendix II (protected in the EU) — only acquire captive-bred individuals, with documentation.
Feeding & health
Insectivore — Crickets, roaches (Blaptica dubia), snails, caterpillars/hornworms, silkworms; wax moths occasionally
Varied, well-fed prey (gut-loaded). Regular dusting with calcium + vitamin D3 and multivitamins. Feed adults 2 to 3 times a week, juveniles more frequently. Snails, rich in calcium, are particularly relished.
1 litter per year, usually in summer, after a gestation of about 6 to 8 months; the young are independent from birth. A threatened species (IUCN 'Endangered'), CITES Appendix II and protected in the EU: strictly favour captive-bred, documented animals. Wild-caught specimens are stressed, often parasitised and fragile.
- Hyperthermia / heat stroke (often fatal above about 30 °C)
- Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from a calcium/D3 deficiency or insufficient UVB
- Dehydration and difficult shedding (dysecdysis) linked to too-low humidity
- Respiratory infections (insufficient ventilation, stagnant air, unsuitable temperatures)
- Internal parasites (nematodes) and stress, especially in wild-caught individuals
Morphs & genetics
Registry of 0 documented gene for Emerald Alligator Lizard.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about keeping the emerald alligator lizard.
How big does an adult Emerald Alligator Lizard get?▾
What temperature and humidity does a Emerald Alligator Lizard need?▾
What does a Emerald Alligator Lizard eat?▾
Is the Emerald Alligator Lizard a good reptile for beginners?▾
Track your emerald alligator lizard on ReptiNode
Create a free tracking log: weight, meals, sheds, health record, QR codes and breeding projects — with the built-in genetics calculator for over 200 species.
Create a free account