Reptile · Iguanid
Eastern collared lizard care guide
Crotaphytus collaris
The eastern collared lizard is a intermediate-level iguanid from Central and SW USA, N Mexico. Adults reach 25–35 cm and live 8–15 years in captivity. Fast and active. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 40–43°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity 30–40%
How much does a eastern collared lizard cost in Canada?
Eastern collared lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central and SW USA, N Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 40–43°C, cool 26°C
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, grasshoppers
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Eastern collared lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 40–43°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 30–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a eastern collared lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, grasshoppers. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and alert; can tame but may bite hard.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and nose rub injuries.
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 eastern collared lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 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
Eastern collared lizard FAQ
Is the eastern collared lizard good for beginners?
The eastern collared lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Fast and alert; can tame but may bite hard.
What size enclosure does a eastern collared lizard need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a eastern collared lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $970–1710 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a eastern collared lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 40–43°C, cool 26°C. Humidity: 30–40%.
What does a eastern collared lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, grasshoppers. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
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.