🦎 General Info

The Texas Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus) is an energetic, arboreal lizard native to the south-central United States, primarily Texas, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. They thrive in dry, warm habitats such as woodlands, rocky outcrops, and scrublands, where they spend much of their time basking on trees, fences, or rocks.

Named for the rough, keeled scales covering their bodies, Texas Spiny Lizards have a gray to brown coloration with darker patterning that provides excellent camouflage. Males typically display blue patches on their bellies and throats, especially during breeding season.

They are diurnal (day-active), arboreal, and highly alert, often seen darting up trees or fence posts when disturbed. Adults reach 7–11 inches in total length, including the tail. With proper care, these lively lizards can live 5–8 years in captivity.

Enclosure

  • Size:

    • Single adult: Minimum 18” x 18” x 24” (similar to a large arboreal gecko or small chameleon enclosure).

    • Group of 2-3: Minimum 24” x 24” x 36”

  • Never house 2 males together -They can be territorial and they may end up fighting.

  • Material:

    • Glass or PVC enclosures with a screen top for ventilation.

    • Vertical space is more important than floor space — they are natural climbers.

  • Décor:

    • Include multiple sturdy branches, cork bark, and logs for climbing.

    • Provide foliage (live or artificial) for cover and security.

    • Offer flat rocks or basking ledges near the heat source.

    • Multiple hides (top, middle, and bottom) help reduce stress.

  • Tip: Texas Spiny Lizards are arboreal and active — vertical climbing space and visual barriers make them feel secure.

Temperature & Lighting

  • Basking Spot: 95–105°F

  • Ambient Temperature: 80–85°F

  • Cool Side: 75–80°F

  • Night Temperature: 68–72°F

  • Heating:

    • Use a basking bulb or halogen floodlight to create a focused basking area, use rocks and branches so they can pick a spot.

    • Ensure temperature gradients.

    • Avoid heat rocks as they can cause burns unless hooked up to a thermostat to control the temperature.

  • Lighting:

    • Provide full-spectrum UVB lighting for 12–14 hours daily.

    • Use a T5 HO 10–12% UVB tube, mounted 10–12 inches above basking areas.

    • Replace bulbs every 6–12 months or according to manufacturers recommendations.

  • Tip: Consistent UVB exposure and proper basking temperatures are essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and bone health.

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 30–50%

  • Maintaining Humidity:

    • Lightly mist once a day to provide water droplets for drinking.

    • Allow enclosure to dry between misting, you do not want the enclosure to stay saturated,

    • good ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and respiratory issues.

  • Water:

    • Provide a small, shallow water dish for drinking and occasional soaking.

    • Replace with fresh, clean water daily.

  • Tip: These lizards often prefer to lick water droplets from leaves and décor after misting rather than drink from a dish.

Substrate

  • Recommended Options:

    • Organic Soil - without fertilizers (50/50)

    • Reptile-safe soil/eco earth 50-50 mix

    • NEVER use reptile carpet - leads to bacteria growth very quickly and animals catch their claws and cause injury.

    • Bioactive substrate - for advanced setups

  • Depth: 2–3 inches for natural digging and moisture retention.

  • Maintenance:

    • Spot-clean daily.

    • Replace substrate every 1–2 months, or as needed.

  • Tip: A slightly sandy substrate mimics their native environment and supports natural behaviors like digging and basking on warm surfaces.

Diet

  • Type: Insectivorous

  • Staple Foods:

    • Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae, locusts.

  • Occasional treats: Waxworms, hornworms, and small grasshoppers and super worms.

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Juveniles: Feed daily, as much as they can eat in 10–15 minutes.

    • Adults: Feed 4–5 times per week.

  • Supplements:

    • Calcium: 3–4 times per week.

    • Calcium with D3: Once weekly.

    • Multivitamin: Once weekly.

  • Gut-Loading: Feed insects a diet of greens, grains, and vegetables 24 hours before offering them.

  • Tip: Vary insect types and sizes for enrichment and balanced nutrition — these lizards are enthusiastic hunters!

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Texas Spiny Lizards are fast, alert, and skittish, especially when young or new to captivity. While not typically aggressive, they may jump or run if startled. Over time, some individuals become tolerant of gentle interaction.

  • Handling Tips:

    • Begin by hand-feeding or spending quiet time near the enclosure.

    • Avoid sudden movements or grabbing from above.

    • Support the body fully if handling is necessary, but keep sessions brief.

    • Avoid overhandling — they prefer observation to frequent contact.

  • Enrichment:

    • Rearrange branches, basking ledges, and new climbing structures to explore.

    • Rearrange décor periodically to stimulate curiosity.

  • Tip: Texas Spiny Lizards thrive on mental stimulation — changing their environment periodically encourages natural activity and exploration.

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 5–8 years in captivity with proper care.

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): From lack of UVB or calcium.

    • Respiratory Infections: Caused by poor ventilation or excess humidity.

    • Parasites: Can occur in wild-caught specimens; have fecals checked regularly.

    • Dehydration: Due to low humidity or lack of water droplets.

    • Stress-related weight loss: Common in enclosures lacking cover or climbing space.

  • Prevention:

    • Maintain correct temperature gradients.

    • Provide strong UVB and balanced supplementation.

    • Ensure proper ventilation and hydration.

    • Minimize stress by offering adequate hiding and climbing areas.

  • Signs of Illness:

    • Lethargy or constant hiding

    • Lack of appetite

    • Wheezing or mucus around nostrils

    • Weakness or twitching (possible calcium deficiency)

    • Retained shed or dull coloration

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

The Texas Spiny Lizard is a vibrant, active, and fascinating species that perfectly represents the rugged charm of the southwestern U.S. They display incredible hunting skills, striking camouflage, and dynamic personalities that make them a joy to observe.

While they’re not typically a “hands-on” reptile, they reward dedicated keepers with natural behaviors and high activity when provided with proper space, UVB, and climbing structures.

Ideal for reptile enthusiasts who enjoy observing naturalistic setups and lively behaviors, the Texas Spiny Lizard is a hardy and captivating addition to any well-maintained reptile collection.