Reptile · Lacertid
European green lizard care guide
Lacerta viridis
The european green lizard is a intermediate-level lacertid from Central and SE Europe. Adults reach 30–40 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Benefits from a winter cool-down. One male per enclosure.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 38–40°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a european green lizard cost in Canada?
European green lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central and SE Europe
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 114 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–40°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, some fruit
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
European green lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (47 × 24 × 24 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. 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 38–40°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Required.
What does a european green lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, some fruit. Adults 3–4 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Alert and fast; tolerates brief handling.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and parasites.
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 european green lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 60 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
European green lizard FAQ
Is the european green lizard good for beginners?
The european green lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Alert and fast; tolerates brief handling.
What size enclosure does a european green lizard need?
At least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (about 47 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 114 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a european green lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $100–300 CAD to buy, about $910–1640 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–450 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a european green lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a european green lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, grasshoppers, some fruit. Adults 3–4 times a week, 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.