Long-Tailed Lizard Care Guide

Elegant and elongated long-tailed lizards!

The Long-tailed lizard, also known as the Asian grass lizard, is a very slender lizard that is native across Southeast Asia. These lizards get their name for abnormally long tails, often 3x longer than the rest of their body. In fact, Long-tailed lizards have the longest tail-to-body ratio of any reptile!

Long-tailed lizard species profile

Size: Long-tailed lizards grow up to 12" (30 cm) from nose to tip of their tail

Lifespan: They on average live 5 years

Behavior: Long-tailed lizards are diurnal meaning they are active during the day. They live in tropical areas, usually in tall grass.

Social behavior: They can be housed in groups, but it’s best to avoid housing multiple males together to prevent territorial disputes

Handling: These lizards startle easily and can be delicate. While they aren’t aggressive, they’re better suited as hands-off, display pets. With time and patience, some individuals may become comfortable being tong-fed or gently scooped up for brief interactions

Note on handling: If you do handle your long-tailed lizard, do not grab them by the tail. Always “scoop” them up from under the body and support the whole animal’s body and tail.

Setting up your long-tailed lizard habitat

Long-tailed lizards need a warm, well-ventilated environment with plenty of space to climb, explore, and hide. Their enclosure should mimic the dense, humid conditions of their native habitat.

Enclosure size and substrate

Minimum size: A 20-gallon terrarium with a screened lid is the smallest acceptable option for a single adult
Substrate: Use reptile-safe materials such as coconut fiber, bark blends, or moss. Reptile carpet or a solid mat also works well. Avoid sand, gravel, or loose soil that can pose ingestion or impaction risks
Lighting: Set up your reptile lighting outside the terrarium, over top the screened lid, so your lizard has a warm area to bask in but cannot get so close to the bulb that they are burned.
- Many reptiles benefit from having access to UVB lighting. UVB allows the body to synthesize vitamin D3 which is critical for absorption of calcium. Some daylight bulbs will be rated to also provide UVB, and some won’t so it is important to check. Providing low-intensity UVB light over the basking site is recommended. 
Cleaning routine: Spot-clean daily, stir substrate weekly, and fully replace bedding and deep-clean the enclosure monthly

Climbing features and décor

Include a variety of live or artificial plants, vines, and branches
Provide multiple hiding spots using logs, cork rounds, or rock shelters
Use both horizontal and vertical climbing options to mimic their natural environment

Temperature and humidity

Maintain a vertical temperature gradient, with a warm area near the top and a cooler zone below.

Zone	Temperature
Cool side	75 to 80°F (24 to 27°C)
Warm side	85 to 90°F (29 to 32°C)
Basking site	90 to 92°F (32 to 33°C)
Nighttime	65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C)
Humidity range	60 to 80 percent

For more information, consult PetSmart's "Reptile & Amphibian Heating & Lighting" and "Setting a Reptile or Amphibian Habitat" Care Guides

Care and feeding for long-tailed lizards

Long-tailed lizards are insectivores with fast metabolisms. Offer a varied diet of gut-loaded feeder insects to support energy, hydration, and long-term health.

Insects and feeding schedule

Feed once daily or every other day, depending on your lizard’s age and appetite.

Recommended feeders:

Gut-loaded crickets
Dubia roaches
Black soldier fly larvae
Mealworms (on occasion due to fat content)

Supplement routine:

Calcium powder: 2 to 3 times per week
Reptile multivitamin: Once per week
Always follow veterinary guidance for supplement dosing

What does “gut-loaded” mean?

“Gut-loaded” insects are fed a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet before being offered to your pet. This ensures the feeder insect provides optimal nutrition. You can purchase pre-gut-loaded insects or gut load them at home using commercial insect diets or fresh vegetables.

Hydration

Your lizard will drink from standing water and absorb moisture from a humid environment.

Offer a shallow dish of clean, dechlorinated water at all times
Replace water daily
Mist the enclosure regularly to support hydration and skin health

Feeding precautions

Never feed wild-caught insects. They may carry parasites or pesticide residues that can make your pet sick.

When to see a vet

In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, contact your reptile veterinarian if you notice the following signs:

hiding more than usual
eating or drinking less; weight loss
swollen joints or reluctance to move
discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
shedding problems; discolored skin
runny droppings for more than two days
decreased frequency in droppings
increased basking time

Go to “find a vet” on arav.org for help finding a reptile veterinarian in your area.

NOTE: Most, if not all, reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract and intermittently or continuously shed these bacteria in their feces, so they are unsuitable pets for very young children and those with compromised immune systems. Good hygiene must always be practiced around all reptiles, and hands should be washed before and after interacting with reptiles.

SHOPPING CHECKLIST

20-gallon terrarium or larger
secured screened lid
combination of coconut fiber, reptile bark and moss substrate
UVB bulb and fixture
daytime basking bulb and lamp
spray bottle or automatic misting system
habitat thermometers (2) and a hygrometer
artificial/natural rock or wood hide house
branches for climbing and hiding
water bowl
crickets, black soldier fly larvae, dubia roaches, mealworms and waxworms
calcium powder
multivitamin powder

Ready to learn more? This guide is a great starting place, but we encourage you to do more research on the individual species that you are keeping so that you can be as successful as possible!

Related guides:

FAQs

Can long-tailed lizards live together?
Yes, but only with caution. Long-tailed lizards are generally social and can be housed in small groups, but males may become territorial. Avoid housing more than one male per enclosure to reduce fighting.

How often should I clean the enclosure?
Spot-clean daily and stir the bedding weekly to prevent odor and bacteria buildup. Deep-clean the enclosure and replace all bedding every month.

Do long-tailed lizards need UVB light?
Yes. While not as UVB-dependent as some reptiles, long-tailed lizards benefit from low-intensity UVB exposure to synthesize vitamin D3 and support healthy calcium absorption.

Can I handle my long-tailed lizard?
These lizards are delicate and easily startled, so frequent handling is not recommended. With patience, some individuals may tolerate gentle interaction or hand-feeding. Always support the full body and tail, and never grab them by the tail.

What should I do if my lizard stops eating?
First, check habitat conditions—temperature, humidity, and cleanliness. Stress, incorrect temperatures, or poor lighting can all cause appetite loss. If your lizard refuses food for more than a few days, consult a reptile veterinarian.