Reptile · Legless lizard
Eastern glass lizard care guide
Ophisaurus ventralis
The eastern glass lizard is a intermediate-level legless lizard from SE USA. Adults reach 45–100 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Handle by the body, never the tail.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 30–32°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a eastern glass lizard cost in Canada?
Eastern glass lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 45–100 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE USA
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 30–32°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms, slugs
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Eastern glass lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix12 cm
Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.
Temperature: Basking 30–32°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a eastern glass lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms, slugs. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm but the long tail breaks off easily.
Health watch: Tail loss and stuck shed.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check temperatures and refresh water.
Weekly
- Lightly moisten the cool end and lower soil.
- Spot-clean waste.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter; check hides and branches are stable.
Yearly
- Partially refresh soil in high-traffic areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used).
Recommended for a eastern glass lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 12 cm
Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack
Optional top layer (coco husk chips)
Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Cork Bark Flats
A hide in each temperature zone
Cork Branches
Many colubrids climb more than people expect
Eastern glass lizard FAQ
Is the eastern glass lizard good for beginners?
The eastern glass lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm but the long tail breaks off easily.
What size enclosure does a eastern glass 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 eastern glass lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $80–200 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 eastern glass lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 30–32°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a eastern glass lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms, slugs. Adults every 2–3 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.