A comprehensive reference covering 50+ reptile species with ambient temperatures, basking temperatures, nighttime temperatures, humidity ranges, and habitat type. Use the filters to find your species quickly.
| Species | Habitat | Ambient Temp (°F) | Warm Side (°F) | Night Temp (°F) | Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ball Python Python regius |
Tropical | 78–80°F | 88–92°F | 72–80°F | 60–80% |
Raise humidity to 80%+ during shed. Warm side 88–92°F via under-tank heat or radiant panel. |
Corn Snake Pantherophis guttatus |
Temperate | 75–82°F | 85–88°F | 65–72°F | 40–60% |
Very forgiving species. Cool end 70–75°F. Avoid excess humidity — prone to respiratory issues. |
Boa Constrictor Boa constrictor |
Tropical | 78–85°F | 88–95°F | 75–80°F | 60–75% |
Live-bearer. Locality matters — Hog Island boas prefer drier conditions (50–60%). |
Kingsnake / Milk Snake Lampropeltis spp. |
Temperate | 75–82°F | 85–90°F | 65–72°F | 40–60% |
Wide range of subspecies. Most prefer moderate humidity. Desert kings prefer 30–50%. |
Western Hognose Heterodon nasicus |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 88–95°F | 65–75°F | 30–50% |
Desert burrower — keep dry. Excellent burrowing substrate needed. Dramatic death-feigning behavior normal. |
Carpet Python Morelia spilota |
Tropical | 78–85°F | 88–95°F | 72–78°F | 55–70% |
Multiple subspecies with varying needs. Jungle carpets prefer higher humidity. Provide climbing branches. |
Green Tree Python Morelia viridis |
Tropical | 80–85°F | 88–95°F | 72–78°F | 70–90% |
Arboreal — perch branches essential. Mist heavily at night. High humidity required. |
Burmese Python Python bivittatus |
Tropical | 80–85°F | 88–92°F | 75–80°F | 60–80% |
Large species — requires substantial enclosure. Federally regulated in some states. Excellent temperament when well-socialized. |
Blood / Short-tailed Python Python brongersmai |
Tropical | 80–85°F | 88–92°F | 75–80°F | 80–90% |
Very high humidity essential. Peat-based substrate works well. Avoid temps over 90°F. |
Rat Snake Pantherophis / Elaphe spp. |
Temperate | 75–82°F | 85–90°F | 65–72°F | 40–60% |
Hardy, active species. Good climbers. Similar requirements to corn snakes. |
Kenyan Sand Boa Eryx colubrinus |
Desert | 75–85°F | 90–95°F | 68–72°F | 25–40% |
Burrowing desert species. Deep dry sand substrate essential. Keep humidity low to prevent respiratory issues. |
Brazilian Rainbow Boa Epicrates cenchria |
Tropical | 78–85°F | 85–88°F | 72–78°F | 85–100% |
Extremely high humidity required — one of the highest of any commonly kept snake. Iridescent scales stunning under proper conditions. |
Gopher / Pine Snake Pituophis melanoleucus |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 88–95°F | 65–72°F | 40–60% |
Active burrowers. Larger enclosures appreciated. Loud hissers but generally docile when handled regularly. |
Reticulated Python Malayopython reticulatus |
Tropical | 80–86°F | 88–92°F | 75–80°F | 60–80% |
World's longest snake. Super dwarfs more manageable. High intelligence. Secure enclosure essential. |
| Species | Habitat | Ambient Temp (°F) | Basking Temp (°F) | Night Temp (°F) | Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bearded Dragon Pogona vitticeps |
Desert | 80–85°F | 100–110°F | 65–75°F | 20–40% |
Cool side 80–85°F. Basking surface (not air) 100–110°F. UVB essential. Australia arid species. |
Rankin's Dragon Pogona henrylawsoni |
Desert | 80–85°F | 100–105°F | 65–75°F | 20–40% |
Smaller than bearded dragon. Similar care. More tolerant of slightly lower temps. |
Uromastyx Uromastyx spp. |
Desert | 85–95°F | 110–130°F | 70–80°F | 10–25% |
Extreme desert species — needs very high basking temps. One of the hottest baskers in the hobby. UVB essential. |
Green Iguana Iguana iguana |
Tropical | 85–95°F | 95–115°F | 75–80°F | 65–75% |
Arboreal — needs tall enclosure with climbing. UVB essential. Can reach 5–6 feet. High maintenance species. |
Veiled Chameleon Chamaeleo calyptratus |
Semi-Arid | 72–80°F | 85–90°F | 60–70°F | 50–70% |
Screen enclosure mandatory for ventilation. Drip system for drinking. Stress-sensitive — minimize handling. |
Panther Chameleon Furcifer pardalis |
Tropical | 75–82°F | 85–90°F | 65–72°F | 60–75% |
Screen enclosure essential. Varied colors by locale. Needs excellent ventilation to prevent respiratory infections. |
Jackson's Chameleon Trioceros jacksonii |
Montane Forest | 70–80°F | 82–85°F | 60–70°F | 60–80% |
Screen enclosure mandatory for ventilation. Drip system or mister for drinking. Stress-sensitive — minimize handling. | Blue-tongued Skink (Australian) Tiliqua scincoides |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 90–100°F | 65–75°F | 40–50% |
Australian species prefer drier conditions. Indonesian species (Merauke, Irian Jaya) need 60–80% humidity. |
Chinese Water Dragon Physignathus cocincinus |
Tropical | 80–88°F | 88–95°F | 75–80°F | 70–80% |
Semi-arboreal and semi-aquatic. Needs water feature. Tall enclosure with climbing and swimming space. |
Savannah Monitor Varanus exanthematicus |
Semi-Arid | 80–90°F | 100–120°F | 70–80°F | 40–60% |
Very high basking temps needed. Deep substrate for burrowing. Active forager — needs large enclosure. |
Green Tree Monitor Varanus prasinus |
Tropical | 75–82°F | 90–110°F | 70–73°F | 60–80% |
Tall arboreal enclosure needed. Most appreciate misters. Stunning emerald coloration. Prehensile tail. | Ackie Monitor Varanus acanthurus |
Desert | 80–90°F | 120–130°F | 70–75°F | 40–60% |
Highest basking temps of commonly kept monitors. Deep substrate (12"+) for burrowing essential. Very active. |
Asian Water Monitor Varanus salvator |
Tropical | 82–88°F | 95–115°F | 75–80°F | 60–80% |
Large semi-aquatic species. Water feature essential. Very intelligent. Needs very large enclosure as adult. |
Green Anole Anolis carolinensis |
Tropical | 75–85°F | 88–95°F | 65–72°F | 60–80% |
Arboreal. Daily misting for drinking. UVB beneficial. Active and entertaining to watch. |
Frilled Dragon Chlamydosaurus kingii |
Tropical | 80–90°F | 95–105°F | 72–78°F | 60–80% |
Tall arboreal enclosure needed. Distinctive frill display when threatened. Active basker. |
Chuckwalla Sauromalus ater |
Desert | 85–95°F | 105–120°F | 70–80°F | 10–25% |
Extreme desert basker. Rocky substrate with crevices. Herbivore. UVB essential. Underrated pet lizard. |
| Species | Habitat | Ambient Temp (°F) | Warm Side / Basking (°F) | Night Temp (°F) | Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Leopard Gecko Eublepharis macularius |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 88–92°F | 65–72°F | 20–40% |
Under-tank heat preferred. Moist hide always available. TSD — temp affects sex ratio. |
Crested Gecko Correlophus ciliatus |
Tropical | 72–78°F | 78–80°F | 65–72°F | 60–80% |
Do NOT exceed 82°F — heat stress risk. Arboreal — tall enclosure. Mist nightly. No supplemental heat usually needed. |
Gargoyle Gecko Rhacodactylus auriculatus |
Tropical | 72–78°F | 78–80°F | 65–72°F | 60–80% |
Nearly identical to crested gecko care. Slightly more tolerant of temperature variation. Robust species. |
African Fat-tailed Gecko Hemitheconyx caudicinctus |
Semi-Arid | 78–82°F | 88–92°F | 68–72°F | 50–70% |
Similar to leopard gecko but needs higher humidity. Moist hide important. West African savannah species. |
Tokay Gecko Gekko gecko |
Tropical | 80–88°F | 88–95°F | 72–78°F | 70–90% |
Hard-shelled eggs glued to surfaces. Aggressive temperament — handle with care. Loud vocalizations. |
Giant Day Gecko Phelsuma grandis |
Tropical | 80–88°F | 88–95°F | 70–75°F | 65–80% |
Diurnal — active and colorful. Handle minimally — skin very delicate. UVB beneficial. Arboreal. |
Chahoua Gecko Mniarogekko chahoua |
Tropical | 72–76°F | 76–80°F | 65–70°F | 65–80% |
New Caledonian species. Keep on the cooler end. Prehensile tail. Rarer than crested gecko. |
Mourning Gecko Lepidodactylus lugubris |
Tropical | 72–80°F | 80–85°F | 65–72°F | 65–80% |
All-female parthenogenetic species. Very small — bioactive vivaria ideal. Great for nano setups. |
Chinese Cave Gecko Goniurosaurus spp. |
Forest | 72–78°F | 78–82°F | 65–70°F | 60–80% |
Cave-dwelling crepuscular species. Similar to leopard gecko but cooler and higher humidity. Stunning appearance. |
| Species | Habitat | Ambient Temp (°F) | Basking Temp (°F) | Night Temp (°F) | Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sulcata Tortoise Centrochelys sulcata |
Desert | 80–95°F | 95–105°F | 65–80°F | 20–40% |
3rd largest tortoise. Saharan desert origin — keep dry. Outdoor housing recommended in warm climates. Powerful burrower. |
Russian / Horsfield's Tortoise Agrionemys horsfieldii |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 90–100°F | 60–70°F | 30–50% |
Hardy and popular. Hibernates in winter. Avoids extreme heat by burrowing. Outdoor housing ideal in summer. |
Hermann's Tortoise Testudo hermanni |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 90–100°F | 60–68°F | 40–60% |
Mediterranean species. Hibernates. UVB essential. Outdoor tortoise table ideal. Very popular in Europe. |
Greek / Spur-thighed Tortoise Testudo graeca |
Semi-Arid | 75–85°F | 90–100°F | 60–68°F | 40–60% |
Similar to Hermann's. Multiple subspecies with varying needs. Research your specific locality. |
Red-footed Tortoise Chelonoidis carbonarius |
Tropical | 80–88°F | 88–95°F | 70–78°F | 70–85% |
Tropical forest species — needs higher humidity than Mediterranean tortoises. Does NOT hibernate. Omnivorous. |
Yellow-footed Tortoise Chelonoidis denticulatus |
Tropical | 80–88°F | 88–95°F | 70–78°F | 70–85% |
Similar to red-footed. Amazon rainforest origin. High humidity essential. Larger than red-footed. |
Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis |
Semi-Arid | 80–90°F | 90–100°F | 65–75°F | 40–60% |
African savannah species. Large tortoise reaching 18–24". UVB essential. Not cold-tolerant. |
Indian Star Tortoise Geochelone elegans |
Semi-Arid | 80–90°F | 90–100°F | 70–78°F | 60–80% |
Monsoon climate species — needs seasonal variation in humidity. CITES listed. Stunning star pattern shell. |
| Species | Habitat | Water Temp (°F) | Basking Temp (°F) | Air Temp (°F) | Humidity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta |
Aquatic | 75–80°F | 85–95°F | 75–85°F | 60–80% |
North American native. UVB essential for shell health. Needs dry basking area. Omnivorous. |
Map Turtle Graptemys spp. |
Aquatic | 75–80°F | 85–95°F | 72–80°F | 60–80% |
Fast-moving and shy. Needs very clean water. Basking area must be fully dry. UVB essential. |
Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina |
Temperate | N/A | 85–88°F | 70–80°F | 60–80% |
Terrestrial — not aquatic. Needs humid substrate and shallow water dish. Omnivorous. Outdoor housing ideal. |
Musk Turtle / Stinkpot Sternotherus odoratus |
Aquatic | 72–78°F | 85–90°F | 68–75°F | 60–80% |
Small aquatic turtle — excellent for beginners. Prefers shallow water. Can walk on bottom rather than swim. |
Reeve's Turtle Mauremys reevesii |
Aquatic | 72–78°F | 85–92°F | 68–75°F | 60–80% |
East Asian semi-aquatic. Good temperament. UVB and dry basking platform essential. |
A thermostat is non-negotiable for any reptile setup. It prevents dangerous overheating and ensures consistent temperatures. Pulse-proportional thermostats are best for heat lamps. On/off thermostats work well for heat mats and ceramic emitters.
Every enclosure needs a warm side and a cool side. Never heat the entire enclosure uniformly — reptiles thermoregulate by moving between zones. The cool side is just as important as the warm side. Measure both ends with a reliable thermometer.
Most reptiles need higher humidity when shedding (ecdysis). A moist hide — a small enclosed container with damp sphagnum moss — helps ensure complete, healthy sheds for most species. Stuck shed is a common problem in enclosures that are too dry.
Cheap stick-on dial thermometers are notoriously inaccurate. Use a digital probe thermometer for ambient temperatures and an infrared temperature gun for spot-checking basking surface temperatures. A digital hygrometer for humidity is equally important.
Most reptiles benefit from a natural temperature drop at night — just as they would experience in the wild. A 10–15°F drop at night is healthy for most species. Avoid colored night bulbs — reptiles can see them and they disrupt natural sleep cycles.
Many commonly kept reptiles have multiple subspecies or localities with different requirements. Indonesian blue-tongued skinks need much higher humidity than Australian ones. Always research your specific animal's origin — not just the general species name.