Reptile · Lacertid
Long-tailed grass lizard care guide
Takydromus sexlineatus
The long-tailed grass lizard is a beginner-level lacertid from Southeast Asia, S China. Adults reach 25–35 cm and live 5–8 years in captivity. Tall grasses and plants. Small groups with one male.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 32°C, ambient 24–27°C
- Humidity 60–70%
How much does a long-tailed grass lizard cost in Canada?
Long-tailed grass lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- 25–35 cm
- Lifespan
- 5–8 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Southeast Asia, S China
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 60 cm (24 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 43 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- Basking 32°C, ambient 24–27°C
- Humidity
- 60–70%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, fruit flies, small roaches
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Long-tailed grass lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 60 cm (24 × 18 × 24 inches). Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: Basking 32°C, ambient 24–27°C. Humidity: 60–70%. UVB: Required.
What does a long-tailed grass lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, fruit flies, small roaches. Adults every 2 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Fast and drops tails easily; minimal handling.
Health watch: Dehydration, tail loss and parasites in imports.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist to raise humidity – usually a heavy evening misting with a dry-down by day.
- Check temperatures at perch height.
Weekly
- Feed; remove uneaten food (and diet dishes after 24–48 h).
- Check the drainage layer and prune vines.
- Look for stuck shed on toes and tails.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter.
- Check branches and mounts are still secure.
- Clean glass, vents and misting nozzles.
Yearly
- Refresh the top of the soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on schedule.
Recommended for a long-tailed grass lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 60 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 8 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sphagnum Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Turns the back wall into climbing space
Cork Bark Tubes
A “tree trunk” to climb and hide in
Yamuna Spiderwood
Arboreal species prefer diagonal and horizontal perches
Cork Branches
More climbing routes
Long-tailed grass lizard FAQ
Is the long-tailed grass lizard good for beginners?
Yes – the long-tailed grass lizard is a good choice for beginners. Fast and drops tails easily; minimal handling.
What size enclosure does a long-tailed grass lizard need?
At least 60 × 45 × 60 cm (about 24 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 43 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 3 can share; add about 40% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a long-tailed grass lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $20–50 CAD to buy, about $670–1180 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $200–300 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a long-tailed grass lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 32°C, ambient 24–27°C. Humidity: 60–70%.
What does a long-tailed grass lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, fruit flies, small roaches. Adults every 2 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.