Eastern Collared Lizard — Care Sheet & Morphs

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.

Is the collared lizard suitable for a beginner?▾

It is an intermediate-level species rather than a first lizard: it requires a strong thermal gradient, powerful UVB and a keeper attentive to its nervous temperament. Non-venomous, it nonetheless remains quick and easily stressed, which takes experience to read its behaviour correctly.

How big does an adult collared lizard get?▾

It measures 25 to 38 cm including the tail, which makes up about two thirds of the total length. Sexual dimorphism is marked: males display bright colours (blue, green, yellow) while females remain a dull brownish-grey, both recognisable by the two black collars around the neck.

What terrarium should be provided for this very active species?▾

Allow at least 120 x 60 x 60 cm for an adult, a desert/rocky terrarium prioritising floor space: this extremely active lizard needs horizontal room to run, sometimes bipedally at full speed. Provide stacks of flat, stable stones, wedged firmly to the ground, for basking and climbing.

What temperatures and basking spot should be targeted?▾

This very heliophilic species needs a strong gradient: a cool side of 24 to 29 °C, a warm side of 32 to 38 °C, and above all a high basking spot of 45 to 55 °C measured at the surface. Its preferred body temperature is around 36-40 °C, well above that of most terrarium lizards.

Is UVB really essential?▾

Yes, and at a high level: a T5 HO 10-12% tube or a high-UV lamp, in Ferguson zone 3-4, with a UV index of 4 to 6 at the basking spot. The tube must be positioned at the correct distance and replaced every 6 to 12 months, otherwise serious deficiencies can occur.

What substrate and humidity suit it?▾

It lives in a semi-arid to dry ambience, between 20 and 40% humidity, but still needs a humid hide and permanent access to water. Use a non-dusty sand-soil mix or sifted non-calcareous sand, absolutely avoiding pure calcareous sand, which is dusty and prone to causing impaction.

What does the collared lizard eat?▾

It is a highly visual hunter that needs live, moving prey: large crickets, roaches, locusts or grasshoppers, with superworms occasionally, and sometimes small vertebrates for large adults. Insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with calcium, without excess to avoid obesity.

How does it stay hydrated?▾

A small bowl of clean water renewed regularly is generally enough, but some individuals prefer to drink droplets after a light misting. Even in a dry ambience, hydration must never be neglected.

Can it be tamed and handled?▾

It becomes curious and relatively tolerant over time, but remains a nervous, fast animal, better suited to observation than frequent handling. Males are highly territorial towards each other: never house two males together, individual keeping or a closely monitored pair is recommended.

How does it reproduce?▾

It is an oviparous species that lays 3 to 12 eggs per clutch, with one to two clutches per season after a period of winter cooling. Incubation lasts about 55 to 75 days at 28-30 °C, and a humid nesting box must be provided for gravid females.

What are the main health risks?▾

Metabolic bone disease, linked to a lack of UVB or calcium, is the major risk given its high requirements. Also watch for burns from direct contact with an unprotected lamp, egg retention in females, and dehydration.

What is its lifespan?▾

With good captive care, it generally lives 8 to 12 years, sometimes up to 15 years.

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