Chalcides ocellatus Size & Lifespan: 6 to 12 inches (15–30 cm) in total length; typically lives 3–5 years in captivity. Appearance: Long, cylindrical body with tiny, reduced limbs and smooth, glossy scales. Behavior: Diurnal and highly agile. They are notorious "sand-swimmers" that love to burrow. Diet: Primarily insectivorous (crickets, mealworms, roaches), but they may occasionally eat small vegetation or other small lizards in the wild. Reproduction: Ovoviviparous—females retain eggs internally and give birth to live young Enclosure: Minimum 20-gallon or 36”x18”x18” enclosure (larger is better if keeping a group). They prefer more floor space over height. Substrate: Needs a deep, semi-arid mix (like sand and soil) that allows for natural tunneling and burrowing. Temperature: Requires a hot basking spot of 95--105°F (35--40°C) and a cooler gradient of 75--82°F (24--28°C). Lighting: A 10% or 12% UVB lamp is critical for proper calcium absorption and synthesis of Vitamin D3
