Reptile · Alligator lizard
Mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard care guide
Abronia mixteca
The mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard is a expert-level alligator lizard from Oaxaca and Guerrero, Mexico. Adults reach 25–30 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Very cool-temperature species; air conditioning may be needed.
- Enclosure 45 × 45 × 90 cm
- Temp 18–24°C, avoid over 26°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Expert
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Oaxaca and Guerrero, Mexico
- Minimum enclosure
- 45 × 45 × 90 cm (18 × 18 × 35 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- 18–24°C, avoid over 26°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Tropical arboreal
Mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 45 × 45 × 90 cm (18 × 18 × 35 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a tropical arboreal bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix8 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls5 cm
Most of the action is vertical – keep the soil moist but not wet, and focus on perches and dense planting.
Temperature: 18–24°C, avoid over 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable.
Health watch: Heat stress and dehydration.
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 mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (45 × 45 × 90 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 5 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
Mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard FAQ
Is the mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard good for beginners?
No – the mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard is a specialist animal for expert keepers only. Calm and handleable.
What size enclosure does a mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard need?
At least 45 × 45 × 90 cm (about 18 × 18 × 35 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $1500–3500 CAD to buy, about $690–1210 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard need?
Temperature: 18–24°C, avoid over 26°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a mixtecan arboreal alligator lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, 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.