Reptile · Legless lizard
European legless lizard care guide
Pseudopus apodus
The european legless lizard is a beginner-level legless lizard from SE Europe to Central Asia. Adults reach 100–130 cm and live 20–30 years in captivity. Also called sheltopusik. Long-lived; brumates in winter.
- Enclosure 120 × 60 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 30–32°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity 40–60%
How much does a european legless lizard cost in Canada?
European legless lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 100–130 cm
- Lifespan
- 20–30 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- SE Europe to Central Asia
- Minimum enclosure
- 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 18 in, ≈ 86 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 30–32°C, cool 20°C
- Humidity
- 40–60%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Carnivore – snails, slugs, roaches, earthworms, pinkies
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
European legless lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (47 × 24 × 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 20°C. Humidity: 40–60%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a european legless lizard eat?
Carnivore – snails, slugs, roaches, earthworms, pinkies. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every other day.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable; drops tail rarely.
Health watch: Obesity 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 european legless lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (120 × 60 × 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
European legless lizard FAQ
Is the european legless lizard good for beginners?
Yes – the european legless lizard is a good choice for beginners. Calm and handleable; drops tail rarely.
What size enclosure does a european legless lizard need?
At least 120 × 60 × 45 cm (about 47 × 24 × 18 inches, roughly 86 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a european legless lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $800–1430 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a european legless lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 30–32°C, cool 20°C. Humidity: 40–60%.
What does a european legless lizard eat?
Carnivore – snails, slugs, roaches, earthworms, pinkies. Adults 2–3 times a week, juveniles every other day.
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.