Reptile · Alligator lizard
Morelet's alligator lizard care guide
Mesaspis moreletii
The morelet's alligator lizard is a intermediate-level alligator lizard from Central American highlands. Adults reach 15–20 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Cool highland lizard; live-bearing.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 18–25°C, basking 28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a morelet's alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Morelet's alligator lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Central American highlands
- Minimum enclosure
- 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 32 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 18–25°C, basking 28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – small crickets, roaches
- Bioactive style
- Temperate forest
Morelet's alligator lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (24 × 18 × 18 inches). Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a temperate forest bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- 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: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a morelet's alligator lizard eat?
Insectivore – small crickets, roaches. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm; brief handling.
Health watch: Heat stress and dehydration.
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 morelet's alligator lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Morelet's alligator lizard FAQ
Is the morelet's alligator lizard good for beginners?
The morelet's alligator lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm; brief handling.
What size enclosure does a morelet's alligator lizard need?
At least 60 × 45 × 45 cm (about 24 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 32 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 2 can share; add about 50% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a morelet's alligator lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $150–350 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 morelet's alligator lizard need?
Temperature: 18–25°C, basking 28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a morelet's alligator lizard eat?
Insectivore – small 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.