Eastern Collared Lizard — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Eastern Collared Lizard get?

An adult Eastern Collared Lizard typically measures 25–38 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Eastern Collared Lizard — origin: South-central United States and northern Mexico: rocky plateaus, canyons and semi-arid areas of the Ozarks and deserts (Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah)..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min18 °C

Cool side24–29 °C

Warm side32–38 °C

Basking spot45–55 °C

A very heliophilic species requiring a strong thermal gradient and a genuine focused hot spot. High preferred body temperature (around 36-40 °C). Basking spot measured at the surface under the lamp: 45-55 °C. A nighttime drop is beneficial (no heating at night in most cases).

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 60 cm

Desert/rocky (semi-arid) terrestrial terrarium, with priority given to floor space.

A very active species requiring horizontal space to run. Minimum 120 x 60 x 60 cm for an adult (larger if possible). Provide stacks of flat, stable stones for basking and climbing, as well as hides. Individual keeping recommended; never two males together.

Humidity

20–40 %

Semi-arid to dry environment. Nevertheless provide a humid hide and permanent access to water to aid shedding and hydration. Chronically high humidity is harmful.

Substrate

Non-dusty sand-soil mix (clay/excavator-type soil)Sifted non-calcareous sandFlat stones and stable rock stacks

Avoid pure calcareous sand (risk of occlusion/impaction) and dusty substrates. A lightly moistenable sand-soil mix allows burrowing and holds tunnels. Wedge the rocks firmly directly on the base to prevent any collapse onto the animal.

UVB

Recommended

Essential and high. T5 HO 10-12% tube or high-UV lamp, Ferguson zone 3-4 (UVI of about 4.0-6.0 at the basking spot). Position at the correct distance according to the model and replace the tube every 6-12 months.

Water source

Always available

A small bowl of clean water renewed regularly; some individuals prefer to drink droplets after a light misting. Overall humidity is low but hydration should not be neglected.

Origin

Crotaphytidae

South-central United States and northern Mexico: rocky plateaus, canyons and semi-arid areas of the Ozarks and deserts (Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah).

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore / carnivore — Large live insects: crickets, roaches, locusts; superworms occasionally. Rare vertebrate prey (pinkie mice, small lizards) for large adults.

A highly visual hunter: offer live, moving prey. Gut-loaded insects dusted with calcium; calcium/D3 supplement and multivitamins at an appropriate frequency. Do not overfeed adults (risk of obesity).

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 3–12 eggs/young. 1 to 2 clutches per season after a period of winter cooling. Incubation of about 55-75 days at 28-30 °C. Sexual maturity at around 1-2 years. Provide a humid nesting box for gravid females.

Health watch points

Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from UVB and/or calcium deficiency
Thermal burns from direct contact with an unprotected lamp
Egg retention (dystocia) in females
Dehydration and gout linked to insufficient hydration
Internal parasites, especially in wild-caught individuals

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Eastern Collared Lizard.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the eastern collared lizard.

How big does an adult Eastern Collared Lizard get?▾

An adult Eastern Collared Lizard typically measures 25–38 cm (total length including tail (the tail makes up about two thirds). marked sexual dimorphism: brightly coloured males (blue/green/yellow), dull brown-grey females. two black collars around the neck and a large head are characteristic.).

What temperature and humidity does a Eastern Collared Lizard need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–29 °C on the cool side to 32–38 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 45–55 °C. Humidity 20–40 %.

What does a Eastern Collared Lizard eat?▾

Insectivore / carnivore: Large live insects: crickets, roaches, locusts; superworms occasionally. Rare vertebrate prey (pinkie mice, small lizards) for large adults..

Is the Eastern Collared Lizard a good reptile for beginners?▾

Intermediate level. Very active, fast and lively; able to run bipedally (on its hind legs) at full speed. A highly visual hunter. Tames over time and becomes curious, but remains nervous and stress-sensitive. Males are territorial and aggressive towards each other: keep individually or as a closely monitored pair. Non-venomous and not CITES-listed, but protected by the legislation of some US states; favour captive-bred animals, as wild-caught specimens acclimate poorly and are often parasitised. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 8–12 yrs.

Track your eastern collared 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