Short answer: A sun-loving lizard from inland Australia. One adult needs an enclosure of at least 6 × 2 × 2 feet, a 105–115°F basking surface, a 70–85°F cool end, strong T5 HO UVB, and greens every day with insects that shrink from twice a day as a baby to 2–3 times a week as an adult.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
Already have a setup? Check it against these numbers.Setup checker →Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 72 × 24 × 24 in. No smaller than 6 × 2 × 2 feet for an adult, preferably larger. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 105–115°F [source] |
| Cool end | 70–85°F [source] |
| Night | Turn all heat and light off at night. [source] |
| Humidity | 30–60%. Measured on the ground at the cool end; mist 1–2 times a week [source] |
| UVB (required) | A 22 inch T5 HO 10–12% UVB tube (for example Arcadia 12% or ReptiSun 10.0) on the warm side; 11 in below the lamp through mesh, 16–17 in if mounted inside; aim for UVI 4.0–4.5 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Heat | Two 90–100 W halogen flood bulbs over the basking platform; adjust wattage until the basking surface reads 105–115°F. [source] |
| Substrate | Fine sand or sandy soil at least 4 in deep, or paper towel. Avoid: Loose substrate for a sick or injured dragon (use paper towel). [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 18–24 in · 10–15 years (20–25 possible) |
What to feed, and how often
Dusted insects (dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, crickets) plus leafy greens and vegetables daily. [source]
| Baby (0–6 months) | Insects twice a day, vegetables daily (about 60–80% of the diet is insects) |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (6–12 months) | Insects once a day, vegetables daily (about 50–60% insects) |
| Adult (12+ months) | Insects 2–3 times a week, vegetables daily (about 20–30% insects) |
Supplements: Calcium without D3 and a multivitamin with D3, or an all-in-one powder
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →Is this normal?
- Bearded dragon brumation: is it brumation or illness?
- How long do leopard geckos, bearded dragons and pet snakes live?
- Stuck shed on a gecko or snake: causes and what to do
Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.