Imbricate alligator lizard (Barisia imbricata)
Photo: KatyaMSL / CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Reptile · Alligator lizard

Imbricate alligator lizard care guide

Barisia imbricata

Intermediate

The imbricate alligator lizard is a intermediate-level alligator lizard from Central Mexico highlands. Adults reach 20–30 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Keep cool with night drops; live-bearing.

  • Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Temp 18–25°C, basking 28°C
  • Humidity 50–70%
Plan this build Best plants for this animal

How much does a imbricate alligator lizard cost in Canada?

Animal$200–500Typical captive-bred price
Bioactive enclosure$490–930Enclosure $190–370 · equipment $190–420 · bioactive supplies ≈ $120
Yearly upkeep$150–250Food, supplements, bulbs, power, vet fund
First year total$840–1680All prices CAD, estimates

Imbricate alligator lizard quick facts

Skill level
Intermediate
Adult size
20–30 cm
Lifespan
10–15 years
Activity
Diurnal
Native range
Central Mexico highlands
Minimum enclosure
60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
Housing
Best kept alone.
Temperature
18–25°C, basking 28°C
Humidity
50–70%
UVB
Recommended
Diet
Insectivore – crickets, roaches
Bioactive style
Temperate forest

Imbricate alligator lizard enclosure & bioactive setup

Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.

  1. Leaf litter2 cm
  2. Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm

Keep a moisture gradient: drier on top and at the warm end, slightly moist underneath and at the cool end.

Temperature: 18–25°C, basking 28°C. Humidity: 50–70%. UVB: Recommended.

What does a imbricate alligator lizard eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.

Handling, temperament & health

Can be defensive and bite.

Health watch: Heat stress and tail loss.

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 imbricate alligator lizard bioactive

Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).

Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm Qty: 1 × 3L + 1 × 9L + 1 × 20Lfrom $12.99 Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Coco Husk Chips - Dried Loose Pack Optional top layer (coco husk chips) Qty: 1 × 9L · optionalfrom $7.99 Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Red Oak Leaves 15/Pack Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew Qty: 2 packs$10.99 Cork Bark Flats Cork Bark Flats A hide in each temperature zone Qty: 2 × Mediumfrom $7.99 Cork Branches Cork Branches Many colubrids climb more than people expect Qty: 1 × 24"from $13.99

Imbricate alligator lizard FAQ

Is the imbricate alligator lizard good for beginners?

The imbricate alligator lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Can be defensive and bite.

What size enclosure does a imbricate alligator lizard need?

At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.

How much does a imbricate alligator lizard cost in Canada?

Typically $200–500 CAD to buy, about $490–930 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.

What temperature and humidity does a imbricate alligator lizard need?

Temperature: 18–25°C, basking 28°C. Humidity: 50–70%.

What does a imbricate alligator lizard eat?

Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.

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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.