How long do Plated Lizards live?
Plated lizards are long-lived, commonly 15-20+ years in captivity, and reach 14-24 inches (35-60 cm), weighing 200-500 grams as adults.
What do Plated Lizards eat?
They are omnivores: a mix of insects (crickets, roaches) and plant foods (collard, endive, squash, occasional fruit). Feed insects 2-3 times weekly and offer greens most days; dust insects with calcium and a D3 multivitamin weekly. Keep fruit to a small portion; excess sugar and protein both cause health issues.
Plated Lizard enclosure setup
Adults need a 40-75 gallon terrarium (at least 48x18x18 inches / 120x45x45 cm) with a sandy-soil substrate for digging and hides. Provide a basking spot of 95-105°F (35-41°C), ambient 80-88°F (27-31°C), and a cool end near 75°F (24°C). Moderate-to-strong UVB (10-12% T5) is needed. Humidity 30-50% with a water bowl and occasional misting.
Common mistakes with Plated Lizards
Frequent errors: too much fruit or protein (obesity, kidney strain), basking/UVB too weak (MBD), a tank too small for an active digger, and chronic dry substrate causing shed problems.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Excess fruit or protein — obesity and kidney strain.
- Weak basking heat and UVB — metabolic bone disease.
- Enclosure too small — they are active ground dwellers.
- Too dry a substrate — poor sheds.