Reptile · Night lizard
Desert night lizard care guide
Xantusia vigilis
The desert night lizard is a intermediate-level night lizard from SW USA, Baja California. Adults reach 10–12 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Lives under yucca debris; give plenty of bark flakes.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp Warm 28–30°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 20–40%
How much does a desert night lizard cost in Canada?
Desert night lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 10–12 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- SW USA, Baja California
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Warm 28–30°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 20–40%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, termites, fruit flies
- Bioactive style
- Arid desert
Desert night lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a arid desert bioactive build.
- Soil and sand mix10 cm
A deep, sandy mix packed firmly lets burrows hold their shape; keep only the deepest layer faintly moist.
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 20–40%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a desert night lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, termites, fruit flies. Small insects every 2–3 days.
Handling, temperament & health
Tiny and secretive; observe only.
Health watch: Dehydration.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking temperatures; refresh water (or mist lightly for species that drink droplets).
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Lightly moisten one deep corner so burrows hold and isopods survive.
- Check rock stacks are stable.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer; replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a desert night lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Desert night lizard FAQ
Is the desert night lizard good for beginners?
The desert night lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Tiny and secretive; observe only.
What size enclosure does a desert night lizard need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a desert night lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 CAD to buy, about $320–620 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a desert night lizard need?
Temperature: Warm 28–30°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 20–40%.
What does a desert night lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, termites, fruit flies. Small insects every 2–3 days.
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.