Reptile · Night lizard
Granite night lizard care guide
Xantusia henshawi
The granite night lizard is a intermediate-level night lizard from Southern California, Baja California. Adults reach 12–14 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Lives in granite crevices; stack flat stones tightly.
- Enclosure 45 × 30 × 30 cm
- Temp Warm 26–28°C, cool 18°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a granite night lizard cost in Canada?
Granite night lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 12–14 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- Southern California, Baja California
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 in, ≈ 11 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Warm 26–28°C, cool 18°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Granite night lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (18 × 12 × 12 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend8 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Warm 26–28°C, cool 18°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a granite night lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Secretive; observe only.
Health watch: Dehydration and heat stress.
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 granite night lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 30 × 30 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 8 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
Granite night lizard FAQ
Is the granite night lizard good for beginners?
The granite night lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Secretive; observe only.
What size enclosure does a granite night lizard need?
At least 45 × 30 × 30 cm (about 18 × 12 × 12 inches, roughly 11 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a granite night lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 CAD to buy, about $400–760 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $100–200 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a granite night lizard need?
Temperature: Warm 26–28°C, cool 18°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a granite night lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, small roaches. 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.