Legless Lizard (Ophisaurus sp.) Care Sheet

Quick Facts

Attribute	Details
Common Name	Legless Lizard
Scientific Name	Ophisaurus sp.
Origin	North America / Southeast Asia depending on species
Adult Size	40–60 cm
Lifespan	10–15 years in captivity
Activity	Diurnal, ground-dwelling / fossorial

Behavior

• Resembles a snake but is a true lizard; possesses eyelids and external ear openings.

• Mild-tempered and generally docile.

• Diurnal and active during the day; burrows or hides under substrate.

• Can drop tail when stressed (autotomy); tail may regenerate partially.

Enclosure Requirements

• Tank Size: Minimum 80 liters for a single adult

• Substrate: 10–15 cm of coconut fiber, soil, or sand mix for burrowing

• Decor: Logs, rocks, and hides; allows digging and shelter

• Humidity: 50–60%

• Temperature:

  • Day: 24–28°C

  • Night: 20–24°C

  • Optional basking spot: 30°C

• Lighting: Indirect or low light; UVB optional but beneficial

• Ventilation: Moderate airflow

Compatibility

• Best housed singly; generally non-aggressive but may fight if confined.

• Avoid housing with snakes or other predatory reptiles.

Diet

• Carnivorous; feeds on live or frozen-thawed insects:

  • Crickets

  • Mealworms / superworms

  • Small roaches

• Feed juveniles every 2–3 days; adults 2–3× per week

• Provide shallow water dish for drinking

Care Tips

• Provide burrowable substrate to allow natural digging behaviors.

• Maintain consistent temperature and humidity for digestion and shedding.

• Spot-clean regularly; remove feces and uneaten prey.

• Minimize handling during feeding or shedding periods.

Breeding

• Oviparous; females lay 5–15 eggs depending on species.

• Eggs incubate for 45–60 days at 26–28°C.

• Hatchlings are independent and require appropriately sized prey.

Visual Quick Guide

• 🏠 Enclosure: ≥80 L, burrowable substrate, hides

• 🌡️ Temp: Day 24–28°C / Night 20–24°C / Basking 30°C optional

• 💧 Humidity: 50–60%

• 🍴 Diet: Carnivorous (live insects)

• 🕒 Activity: Diurnal, ground-dwelling

• ⚠️ Stress: Avoid excessive handling; provide burrows and hides

Please note: We don't ship live animals. You can order online and choose click and collect, and we will hold it for you.