Reptile · Night lizard
Yellow-spotted night lizard care guide
Lepidophyma flavimaculatum
The yellow-spotted night lizard is a intermediate-level night lizard from Mexico to Panama. Adults reach 20–30 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Some populations are all-female; give many hides.
- Enclosure 60 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp 24–28°C
- Humidity 60–80%
How much does a yellow-spotted night lizard cost in Canada?
Yellow-spotted night lizard quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 20–30 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Crepuscular
- Native range
- Mexico to Panama
- 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
- 24–28°C
- Humidity
- 60–80%
- UVB
- Recommended
- Diet
- Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms
- Bioactive style
- Tropical forest floor
Yellow-spotted night 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 tropical forest floor bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix10 cm
- Drainage – clay bio balls4 cm
Deep leaf litter (3–5 cm) matters more here than anything else: it’s where microfauna breed and frogs forage.
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%. UVB: Recommended.
What does a yellow-spotted night lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms. Adults every 2–3 days, juveniles daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Shy; tolerates brief handling.
Health watch: Dehydration and stuck shed.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Mist 1–3 times to keep humidity in range; glass should clear partly between mistings.
- Check temperature – most tropical species are stressed above 27–28°C.
Weekly
- Feed and remove uneaten food.
- Check the drainage layer through the glass and remove water before it reaches the soil.
- Prune plants that block the front glass.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter as it breaks down.
- Check springtail and isopod numbers; reseed from a culture if they look sparse.
- Clean misting nozzles and wipe light covers.
Yearly
- Refresh the top few centimetres of soil in open areas.
- Replace UVB bulbs (if used) on the manufacturer’s schedule.
Recommended for a yellow-spotted night lizard bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (60 × 45 × 45 cm).
Clay Bio Balls
Drainage layer, 4 cm
Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix
Bioactive soil layer, 10 cm
Magnolia Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Fresh Sheet Moss Container
Moss for humidity pockets and planting
Cork Bark Backgrounds
Climbing surface and planting wall
Cork Bark Half Rounds
Shaded, humid retreat at floor level
Red Mekong Spiderwood
Perches and depth
Yellow-spotted night lizard FAQ
Is the yellow-spotted night lizard good for beginners?
The yellow-spotted night lizard is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Shy; tolerates brief handling.
What size enclosure does a yellow-spotted night 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 yellow-spotted night lizard cost in Canada?
Typically $100–250 CAD to buy, about $550–1000 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $150–250 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a yellow-spotted night lizard need?
Temperature: 24–28°C. Humidity: 60–80%.
What does a yellow-spotted night lizard eat?
Insectivore – crickets, roaches, earthworms. 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.