Reptile · Legless lizard
Burton's legless lizard care guide
Lialis burtonis
The burton's legless lizard is a advanced-level legless lizard from Australia, New Guinea. Adults reach 40–60 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Eats other lizards almost exclusively; hard to feed.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a burton's legless lizard cost in Canada?
Burton's legless lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Adult size
- 40–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- Australia, New Guinea
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – small lizards, skinks
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Burton's legless lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a burton's legless lizard eat?
Carnivore – small lizards, skinks. Adults weekly.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm but specialist eater.
Health watch: Refusal to feed and dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a burton's legless lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Burton's legless lizard FAQ
Is the burton's legless lizard good for beginners?
The burton's legless lizard is an advanced species – best for experienced keepers. Calm but specialist eater.
What size enclosure does a burton's legless lizard need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a burton's legless lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $500–1500 CAD to buy, about $590–1090 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a burton's legless lizard need?
Temperature: Warm 30–32°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a burton's legless lizard eat?
Carnivore – small lizards, skinks. Adults weekly.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.