Native to: Lacertas are tropical lizards from Europe and parts of Asia. There are a lot of different types of Lacerta species, which inclued, the green Lacerta, the jeweled Lacerta and the Chinese Lacerta.

Adult Size: The average adult Lacerta can grow between 6 to 18 inches in length not including their very long tail. They can live up to 5 years or more with proper care.

Appearance: They have short limbs and round heads. The male is more slender in the body than the females. They have thick necks and tails and jagged scales.

Diet: A variety of insects including crickets, mealworms, waxworms and earthworms are highly recommended for your Lacerta. Occaisionally a feeder mouse should be added to the diet. Feeding insects caught in the wild is not recommended and can be very harmful to your lizard.

Ease of care: Lacerta lizards become very distressed when handled. Handling frequently is not recommended.

Habitat: Because Lacertas are very active, they require at least a 20 gallon enclosure with a well ventilated top. There should be climbing rocks and plants for the lizard to excercise and entertain itself. It is critical to provide Lacertas with 10 to 12 hours of UVB lighting each day. The temperature of the enclosure should range from 70 to 80 degrees with a basking zone between 90 to 95 degrees. At night the temperature dhould be reduced to about 65 degrees.

Drink: Lacertas do not drink often. However, there should be a shallow bathing bowl of water available for them in case they do want to drink.

Temperament: It has been known that although Lacerta lizards prefer not to be handled they do take well to becoming domesticated, and actually become quite tame. They are very active in nature and should not be housed with other adult lizards.

Breeding: Lacerta females have the ability to give birth to live young, after the offspring develop inside the female for approximately three months.