Short answer: A sturdy daytime lizard from eastern and central Africa; some are handleable, others stay skittish. One adult needs a 48 × 24 × 24 inch enclosure, a 100–110°F basking spot, a 75–80°F cool side, 40–60% humidity, UVB reaching UVI 3–5, and insects plus greens most days.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Grassland & Savanna
- Home range
- Eastern and central Africa
- Adult size
- 15–20 in
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Diet
- Omnivore: insects and greens
- Active
- Daytime
- Care level
- Intermediate [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 48 × 24 × 24 in. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 100–110°F [source] |
| Cool end | 75–80°F [source] |
| Humidity | 40–60% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | UVB strong enough to reach UVI 3.0–5.0 at the basking spot; aim for UVI 3.0–5.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 15–20 in · 10–15 years |
What to feed, and how often
Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae), leafy greens such as kale and collards, fruit at most once a week. [source]
| Juvenile (6–12 in long) | Insects 5 days a week, plants daily |
|---|---|
| Adult (over 18 in long) | Insects 2 days a week, plants 4 days a week, one day without food |
Supplements: Plain calcium without phosphorus or vitamin D3 when UVB is used.
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More Sudan plated lizards
Sudan plated lizard FAQ
What size enclosure does a sudan plated lizard need?
At least 48 × 24 × 24 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. [source]
What temperature does a sudan plated lizard need?
A basking spot of 100–110°F and 75–80°F at the cool end. [source]
What humidity does a sudan plated lizard need?
40–60%. [source]
Does a sudan plated lizard need UVB?
UVB is recommended. UVB strong enough to reach UVI 3.0–5.0 at the basking spot. Aim for a UVI of 3.0–5.0 where it basks. [source]
What do Sudan plated lizards eat?
Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae), leafy greens such as kale and collards, fruit at most once a week. Supplements: Plain calcium without phosphorus or vitamin D3 when UVB is used. [source]
How often should I feed a sudan plated lizard?
Juvenile (6–12 in long): Insects 5 days a week, plants daily.Adult (over 18 in long): Insects 2 days a week, plants 4 days a week, one day without food. [source]
How big do Sudan plated lizards get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 15–20 in and live 10–15 years with good care. [source]
Where do Sudan plated lizards come from?
Eastern and central Africa. They are most active: daytime. [source]
Is a sudan plated lizard a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as intermediate. [source]
Neighbors in the Grassland & Savanna
GrasslandIntermediate
Ball pythonPython regius
3.6–4.5 ft15–30 yearsRodents
GrasslandBeginner
Corn snakePantherophis guttatus
3–5 ft15–20+ yearsRodents
GrasslandIntermediate
Blue-tongued skinkTiliqua scincoides
18–24 in15–20 years (35+ possible)Omnivore: insects, meat, vegetables
GrasslandIntermediate
Western hognose snakeHeterodon nasicus
14–24 in (females larger)10–20 yearsFrozen-thawed prey
GrasslandAdvanced
Argentine teguSalvator merianae
3–4.5 ft15–20 yearsOmnivore: protein, vegetables, fruit
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.