Giant girdled lizard — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Giant girdled lizard get?

An adult Giant girdled lizard typically measures 35–40 cm.

Husbandry requirements

Giant girdled lizard — origin: High-altitude Highveld grasslands of South Africa (Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng). Temperate climate: hot summers, cold winters with night-time frosts..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min15 °C

Cool side22–26 °C

Warm side28–32 °C

Basking spot35–40 °C

A heliophilic species requiring a genuine hot spot for basking. A night-time drop is beneficial (15-18 °C). In winter, observe a brumation with a marked drop in temperatures and photoperiod (about 10-15 °C during the day), reproducing the cold winters of the Highveld.

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 60 cm

Horizontal terrestrial terrarium for a fossorial species, with a large floor area and deep substrate allowing a stable burrow to be dug.

Minimum dimensions for a single adult; larger is preferable. Individual housing recommended in captivity to limit stress. Substrate at least 30-45 cm deep, packed/moistened to hold a tunnel. Provide a burrow hide and a clear basking spot above.

Humidity

40–60 %

Generally dry grassland-type conditions; the bottom of the burrow stays slightly more humid. Good ventilation is essential to avoid respiratory ailments.

Substrate

Soil/sand/clay mixUntreated topsoilSandClay

A deep burrowing mix (untreated soil + sand + a little clay) able to hold a tunnel without collapsing, at least 30-45 cm deep. Avoid dusty or overly loose substrates that do not retain the burrow's structure.

UVB

Recommended

Essential and high: a diurnal, heliophilic species. Provide strong UVB (T5 HO tube 10-12% or a mercury-vapour lamp), Ferguson zone 3-4, above the basking spot, with direct access without glass or plastic in between.

Water source

Always available

A small, shallow bowl of clean water permanently available; occasional light misting. The animal also drinks dew droplets.

Origin

Cordylidae

High-altitude Highveld grasslands of South Africa (Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng). Temperate climate: hot summers, cold winters with night-time frosts.

Feeding & health

Diet

Insectivore — Roaches, crickets, beetles; worms (waxworms, mealworms) in moderation.

In the wild, beetles make up the bulk of the diet. In captivity, vary the prey, dust with calcium (with D3 depending on UVB) and gut-load the insects. Feed an adult 2-3 times a week; beware of obesity, common with fatty prey.

Breeding

Viviparous

Viviparous: generally 1, sometimes 2 (rarely up to 3-6) live young, and only every 2-3 years. Reproduction is very difficult to achieve in captivity, which makes the species all the more vulnerable to collection pressure.

Health watch points

Osteodystrophy / metabolic bone disease (insufficient UVB, calcium or D3)
Respiratory infections (poorly adapted cold or humidity, poor ventilation)
Internal parasitism (very common in wild-caught individuals)
Chronic stress and food refusal (especially freshly imported wild specimens)
Obesity (overfeeding, prey too fatty, lack of activity)

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 0 documented gene for Giant girdled lizard.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the giant girdled lizard.

How big does an adult Giant girdled lizard get?▾

An adult Giant girdled lizard typically measures 35–40 cm (robust adult total length, body heavily armoured with spiny scales; typically 35-38 cm.).

What temperature and humidity does a Giant girdled lizard need?▾

A gradient of roughly 22–26 °C on the cool side to 28–32 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 35–40 °C. Humidity 40–60 %.

What does a Giant girdled lizard eat?▾

Insectivore: Roaches, crickets, beetles; worms (waxworms, mealworms) in moderation..

Is the Giant girdled lizard a good reptile for beginners?▾

Advanced level. Shy, reclusive and fossorial. Digs and occupies deep burrows (up to ~40 cm); basks at the entrance with its head raised toward the sun (hence the name "Sungazer"). Uses the spines of its tail to block the burrow entrance. PROTECTED SPECIES: listed on CITES (Appendix II) and protected by law in South Africa; it breeds very poorly in captivity and most animals in circulation are WILD-CAUGHT, often stressed and parasitised. To be reserved for experienced keepers with a legal and documented origin. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 20–40 yrs.

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