Species Detail
Eastern Collared Lizard
Lizards

Eastern Collared Lizard

Crotaphytus collaris

Habitat

Rocky outcrops and canyons

Range

Central United States

Adult Size

8-14 in (20-35 cm)

Diet

Insects and smaller lizards

Find on MorphMarket
Conservation status:Least Concern

Recommended Tank Sizes

Enclosure size guidance by life stage for Eastern Collared Lizard. General guidelines โ€” always research species-specific requirements and size up whenever possible.

Baby

10โ€“20 gal (38โ€“76 L), 20"โ€“30" long (51โ€“76 cm)

Juvenile

30โ€“40 gal (114โ€“151 L), 36" ร— 18" (91 ร— 46 cm)

Sub-Adult

40โ€“50 gal (151โ€“189 L), 36"โ€“48" ร— 18" (91โ€“122 ร— 46 cm)

Adult

50โ€“75+ gal (189โ€“284+ L), 48" ร— 18"โ€“24" (122 ร— 46โ€“61 cm, or larger for big species)

Orientation: Terrestrial / Rock (long, with height for stacking). As a rule of thumb, the enclosure length should be at least 2ร— the reptile's adult length, and width at least 1ร—.

Ferguson Zone & UVB

The Ferguson Zone system categorizes reptiles by their natural UVB exposure needs, guiding lighting choices.

Zone 3 โ€” Open Sun Basker

Rocky, semi-arid species are keen sun baskers. Provide moderate-to-high UVB (10% T5) over the basking zone, with rock crevices and caves for thermoregulation and security.

Zone 1

Crepuscular / Shade

Zone 2

Occasional Basker

Zone 3

Open Sun Basker

Zone 4

Full Sun Lover

Temperature Gradient

basking surface

95โ€“110ยฐF (35โ€“43ยฐC)

warm ambient

85โ€“92ยฐF (29โ€“33ยฐC)

cool side

75โ€“80ยฐF (24โ€“27ยฐC)

Humidity

30โ€“50%

Lighting & Photoperiod

10% T5 HO UVB bulb over half the enclosure. Halogen basking bulb on deep heat pile rocks. 12โ€“14 hr photoperiod in summer, 10โ€“12 hr in winter.

Heating

Overhead halogen basking bulb aimed at a deep rock stack โ€” rocks store and radiate heat. Ceramic heat emitter for nighttime if needed.

Decor & Furnishings

  • โ€ขDeep rock stack under basking lamp (securely built)
  • โ€ขCork bark or stone caves
  • โ€ขExcavator clay for burrowing structure
  • โ€ขSlate or flagstone basking platforms
  • โ€ขShallow water dish on the cool side

Setup Notes

Stack rocks securely โ€” avoid loose stones that could shift and trap or injure the animal. Rock stacks serve double duty as daytime heat reservoirs and nighttime retreats. Provide a humid hide for shedding support.