The gidgee skink (Egernia stokesii) is a 7-10” long, diurnal, terrestrial lizard native to Australia. They prefer arid to semi-arid habitats with plenty of rocks for cover, as they spend most of their time in crevices, although they will also hide among fallen timber in dry forests.
Gidgee skinks have stout bodies with a small head, short limbs, long toes, and short tail. Their body is covered with small spines that become longer and more pronounced on the tail. Coloring and pattern varies by subspecies, and they can range from being reddish brown to almost completely black.
Gidgee skinks are pet reptiles with intermediate-level requirements. With good care, they can live 20+ years.
- Common name: Gidgee Skink
- Adult size: ~25cm total length
- Natural habitat: Rocky outcrops (saxicolous), semi-arboreal — found in grassland, woodland and shrubland
- Shelter behaviour: Non-burrowing; shelters in rock crevices, under logs, or in tree hollows
- Activity pattern: Diurnal (active during the day) — a lizard customers can actually observe
- Social structure: Monogamous pairs, but can live successfully in colonies
- Lifespan: Average 15 years, up to 18 years — a long-term commitment, not an impulse buy
Requirement
Detail
Enclosure size
90 x 60 x 60cm minimum for a pair or trio
Substrate
Coarse sand mixed with red sand (Jurassic Naturals Desert Habitat Red)
Shelter / decor
Rock crevices, logs, tree hollow-style hides (mimic natural habitat)
Layout
Semi-arboreal — include some climbing structure, not just flat ground
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Do gidgee skinks need UVB?
Yes! Although they have been proven to survive and breed without access to UVB, using UVB light in captivity is still best practice. UVB lighting helps provide a clear day/night cycle, supplies all of the vitamin D that your pet needs, strengthens the immune system, facilitates better digestion, and provides other benefits.
- Basking temperature: 40–50°C (measure at the basking spot, not ambient room temp)
- UVB requirement: 10.0 UVB tube/globe
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