Reptile · Girdled lizard
Warren's girdled lizard care guide
Smaug warreni
The warren's girdled lizard is a intermediate-level girdled lizard from NE South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe. Adults reach 25–30 cm and live 15–20 years in captivity. Tall rock-stack build with tight crevices.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 38–40°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a warren's girdled lizard cost in Canada?
Warren's girdled lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 25–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 15–20 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- NE South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 in, ≈ 64 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–40°C, cool 22°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Warren's girdled lizard enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (35 × 18 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend10 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a warren's girdled lizard eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms. Adults 3 times a week, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Wary; wedges into crevices.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease and obesity.
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 warren's girdled lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 10 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
Warren's girdled lizard FAQ
Is the warren's girdled lizard good for beginners?
The warren's girdled lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Wary; wedges into crevices.
What size enclosure does a warren's girdled lizard need?
At least 90 × 45 × 60 cm (about 35 × 18 × 24 inches, roughly 64 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a warren's girdled lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $660–1220 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $250–400 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a warren's girdled lizard need?
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 22°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a warren's girdled lizard eat?
Insectivore – roaches, crickets, superworms. Adults 3 times a week, 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.