Eastern Collard Lizard Care

Eastern Collard Lizard

Crotaphytus collaris

Eastern Collared Lizards are strikingly colorful lizards native to the rocky deserts and grasslands of the south-central United States. Males display bright turquoise, green, and yellow hues, while females tend to be more muted. These active, diurnal lizards are fast runners and excellent climbers, and they are known for occasionally running on their hind legs!

Lifespan:

5-8 years in captivity.

Sexing:

Males are more vibrantly colored and slightly larger; females may show orange markings during the breeding season.

Enclosure:

• Juveniles: 20-gallon long minimum (30” x 12” x 12”)

• Adults: 40-gallon breeder or larger (36” x 18” x 18”), ideally taller with climbing space

Substrate:

Mix of sand and organic topsoil, or clay-based reptile substrate.

Lighting & Temperature:

• Basking Area: 100-110°F.

• Ambient Temperature: 80-85°F.

• Cool Side: 75-80°F. 

• UVB Lighting: Required (Exo Terra VHO300 or ZooMed 10.0)

Humidity:

Maintain humidity levels between 30-50% to mimic their desert environment.

Food:

Insectivores—feed a variety of live insects: crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, and occasional waxworms or hornworms. Feed Juveniles: daily and Adults: 3–4 times per week

Gut-load insects and dust with supplements.

Water:

Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish.

Supplementation:

• Calcium with D3: Dust food 2-3 times weekly.

• Calcium without D3: Use on alternating days if adequate UVB lighting is provided.

• Multivitamins: Offer once weekly to support overall health.

With proper care, the Eastern Collard Lizard can become a highly rewarding and interactive pet. Their inquisitive and docile nature, combined with their impressive size, make them a fascinating companion for reptile enthusiasts.