Keeper timer setting
T5 UVB: one hour later on, one hour earlier off
During active care — ON: 1 hour after daylight starts.
OFF: 1 hour before daylight ends.
During hibernation / full brumation: T5 UVB OFF (0 hours). In transition months, keep UVB off while dormant and use the active timer only once the animal is warmed and active.
October: daylight 10 h; T5 UVB 8 h.
The active T5 duration is the photoperiod minus two hours. Example: daylight 08:00–20:00 means UVB 09:00–19:00. Follow the monthly UVI strength measured beneath the tube and provide access to shade. This timing rule does not introduce hibernation for species whose schedule has only a mild or active winter rest. If an older combined heat / UV column is present, the new T5 UVB duration column governs UVB timing; existing heat settings are preserved.
UVI beneath the optional T5 tube
Working exposure targetOctober target at normal back height
UVI 2-3directly under the tube when it is on
The retained range remains a provisional captive working target. No new species-specific result was found that clearly requires a numerical change. Retaining it is not certification of an experimentally established optimum.
Your measuring point
Measure at the animal's normal back height directly beneath the brightest accessible part of the T5 strip, positioned toward the middle/back. The animal can enter and leave this area freely.
Keep a lower-UVI gradient and fully covered refuges near UVI 0. This is the optional exposure area, not the average across the cage.
Use a UV Index meter, such as a Solarmeter 6.5/6.5R. Warm the tube for about 30 minutes; keep reflector, guards and mesh in place. Raise or lower the fixture within its manufacturer's minimum-distance guidance, then recheck the reading and every higher accessible surface.
Evidence level: Provisional retention. These are working recommendations, often inferred; exact species optima and seasonal UV dose usually have not been measured. Log lamp-on time and animal behaviour as well as UVI.
Baines et al. (2016), UV-Tool · Muryn, Baines and Dishman (2026), Reptile Lighting Guide V10
October management
Selected automatically using the Netherlands date
Separate if needed
Cold Andean rock slopes and river gorges - south-western Mendoza, Argentina
15-18 CDay ambient
6-10 CNight
40-42 CBasking
10 hPhotoperiod
8 hT5 UVB duration
2-3T5 UVI*
Light local mist ~1x/wkSpray
1-2Food offers*
Autumn taperStatus
Annual schedule
Scroll sideways on smaller screens
| Month | Day ambient | Night | Basking | Photoperiod | T5 UVB duration | T5 UVI* | Spray | Food offers* | Status | Breeding note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10-14 C | 3-6 C | Off | 8 h | Off (0 h) | Off | None | None | Inactive / brumation | Planned visual checks |
| February | 10-14 C | 3-6 C | Off | 9 h | Off (0 h) | Off | None | None | Inactive / brumation | Reweigh every 2-4 weeks |
| March | 14-18 C | 5-8 C | 40-42 C | 10 h | 8 h | 2-3 | Light local mist 1x/wk | 1-2 | Staged warm-up | Resume only after normal activity |
| April | 18-22 C | 6-10 C | 42-44 C | 11 h | 9 h | 3-4 | Light local mist 1-2x/wk | 3-4 | Full activity | Condition adults |
| May | 20-23 C | 8-12 C | 44 C | 12.5 h | 10 h 30 m | 3-4 | Light local mist 1-2x/wk | 4-5 | Full activity | Assess condition / compatibility |
| June | 22-24 C | 10-14 C | 44 C | 14.5 h | 12 h 30 m | 3-4 | Light local mist 1-2x/wk | 4-5 | Peak activity | Record any courtship |
| July | 22-24 C | 10-14 C | 44 C | 14 h | 12 h | 3-4 | Light local mist 1-2x/wk | 4-5 | Peak activity | Record confirmed mating separately |
| August | 20-22 C | 9-13 C | 44 C | 13 h | 11 h | 3-4 | Light local mist 1-2x/wk | 4 | Active | Monitor condition / reproduction |
| September | 18-20 C | 8-12 C | 42-44 C | 11.5 h | 9 h 30 m | 3 | Light local mist 1-2x/wk | 3 | Late activity | No assumed birth deadline |
| October | 15-18 C | 6-10 C | 40-42 C | 10 h | 8 h | 2-3 | Light local mist ~1x/wk | 1-2 | Autumn taper | Separate if needed |
| November | 10-14 C | 4-8 C | Off | 9 h | Off (0 h) | Off | None | Stop after gut clears | Cooling down | Reweigh every 2-4 weeks |
| December | 8-12 C | 2-5 C | Off | 8 h | Off (0 h) | Off | None | None | Inactive / brumation | Planned visual checks |
Keeper notes
Use measured gradients and animal behaviour, not single thermostat readings
T5 UVI measurement
Measure UVI at normal back height directly beneath the brightest accessible part of the optional T5 strip. Place the strip toward the middle/back with free access to and away from it; preserve a gradient into fully covered refuges near UVI 0. These numbers describe the exposure area, not the whole enclosure or a daily average.
UVI review
The retained range remains a provisional captive working target. No new species-specific result was found that clearly requires a numerical change. Retaining it is not certification of an experimentally established optimum.
Range and habitat
Confirmed study sites are on rocky Andean slopes and river gorges in south-western Mendoza at about 1815-1941 m. Older literature also attributed northern Neuquen records to this species. Deep rock crevices are essential shelter.
Humidity and moisture
Low misting frequency does not mean desert-level humidity. During the active season use light localized misting about 1-2 times weekly, with roughly 40-55% daytime RH and normal nocturnal rises around 55-70% as practical starting points. Keep strong ventilation, let exposed rock and substrate dry between events, and avoid cold-wet substrate during winter cooling.
Thermal management
A 2024 study measured mean preferred body temperature at 36.6 C, with a central selected range around 35.5-37.7 C; summer field body temperatures averaged about 31.5-34.0 C. The 40-44 C value is a local basking-surface setting, not a target body temperature.
Facility starting points
The 150 x 75 x 70 cm minimum, UVI 3-4 and food-offer frequency are operational starting points, not published species-specific requirements. Provide a larger footprint where possible, meter UVB and adjust feeding to intake and body condition.
Diet
Feed a varied plant-based diet of fibrous leafy greens, safe weeds, browse and flowers. Field faeces contained only plant material; insects and animal protein are not routine foods.
Social management
Field observations included solitary males and males near females and juveniles, but this does not prove captive compatibility. Use one adult male, duplicate resources and immediate separation capacity.
Reproduction
This species is viviparous, and Argentina's 2012 assessment reports females giving birth to two young. Precise mating, gestation and birth timing remain unconfirmed; related Phymaturus provide comparative caution only.
Keeper warning
Cool only healthy, conditioned adults after feeding has stopped and the gut is clear. Record starting mass, perform planned visual checks, reweigh every 2-4 weeks or sooner if activity is abnormal, and reverse cooling for weight loss, dehydration or respiratory signs.