Karsten's Girdled Lizard - Zonosaurus Karsteni

Life expectancy: They can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Size: 16 to 28 inches dependant on sub species.

Sexing: Males have obvious femoral pores as adults on their hind legs you will notice a "comb" like texture. As hatchlings they can be difficult to sex.

Activity Cycle: Active during the day, but like to hide from the sun, so provide burrows and dark areas for them in their vivs.

Position in Viv: Plated lizards are diggers, but also like to bask.

Humidity Requirements: They require a dry environment, but must have access to a reasonable water bowl.

Temperatures and Heating Equipment: Use overhead heating, such as a ceramic heating element on a thermostat to provide a basking temperature of 105F, an ambient daytime temperature of 85-88F and night time temperatures of about 75F.

UV Lighting: UVB full spectrum lighting is required and should be on for 12 - 14 hrs in summer and 10 hours in winter.

Housing: Minimum of a 4x2x2 enclosure

Substrate: You should provide a mixture of soil, sand and bark for them to dig in.

Decor: Stones to bask on, branches and twigs and hides. Another good idea is to provide underground burrows using drain pipe, but this can make them a little difficult to find. They love cork bark caves!

Diet: They are omnivores and eat a variety worms, crickets, mouse pinks, and a variety of fruit and vegetables.

Water Supply: A large sturdy water bowl (such as a cat litter tray) should be provided at all times. This should be changed out regularly as you lizard will drink, bathe and defecate in this.

General Ease of Care: Because of their slow and docile nature, once the correct husbandry requirements have been established, they make relatively easy pets to look after.

Additional Information: Plated lizards are native to southern and eastern Africa and inhabit rocky semi-open dry areas. They are relatively slow moving docile creatures, making them excellent pets.