
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lamprolepis smaragdina
An arboreal skink in bright lime green with large black eyes rimmed in yellow. In some animals the hind limbs or the lower half of the body are medium brown speckled with white, and entirely brown or black-speckled individuals also occur.
The emerald tree skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina) is an arboreal skink widely distributed across the islands of South-East Asia and Oceania, reaching 22-25 cm in total length. It is typically bright lime green, though some animals have brown hind limbs or a brown lower body speckled with white, and entirely brown or black-speckled individuals occur. The large black eyes are rimmed with yellow. The type locality is Ebon Atoll in the Marshall Islands, and six subspecies are recognised. Genetically the most divergent populations are those of Sulawesi, while oceanic island populations represent more recent expansions, most attributed to waif dispersal before human colonisation. It is diurnal, living in the canopy of forest and moving actively over trunks and branches. It has become more common in the exotic pet trade in recent years, and most animals reaching Japan are wild-caught.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Emerald Tree Skink lives At least 7 years with proper care.
The Emerald Tree Skink grows to 22-25cm total length.
Origin
Indonesia (the Lesser Sundas, Sulawesi, the Moluccas and others), the Philippines, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Taiwan; introduced to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands
Lifespan
At least 7 years with proper care
Size
22-25cm total length
Sources: ReptiFiles: Emerald Tree Skink Care Sheet / Reptile Database: Lamprolepis smaragdina / Wikipedia (English)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lesson, 1829)
Synonyms: Hinulia smaragdina Lesson, 1826, Dasia smaragdina (Lesson, 1826), Lygosoma smaragdina (Lesson, 1826)
Authority databases: GBIF · Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Not listed in any CITES appendix (not recorded in Species+). IUCN Red List assessment: Least Concern (LC). This species is not included in either the specified animals listed in the appended table of the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Animal Welfare and Management Law, nor the specified invasive alien species under the Ordinance for Enforcement of the Invasive Alien Species Act.
Sources: CITES Species+ (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Carnivorous: insects and arthropods such as crickets and roaches
Keep the basking area at 35 C, the cool side at 24-29 C and nights at 20-25 C. It wants high humidity, averaging around 70 percent by day and spiking towards 100 percent at night. Set the basking branch 23-28 cm below the lamps.
Being arboreal, it needs height more than floor space: give even a single animal a tall enclosure of at least 60 x 45 x 90 cm. Arrange branches and driftwood vertically and horizontally so it has routes to climb. Use about 10 cm of moistened coconut fibre or sphagnum moss as substrate to hold humidity.
Insectivorous, taking crickets and roaches. Offer feeders scaled to its size, dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements. It is diurnal and basks, so provide UVB. It moves fast, so feed from a dish or at height to keep prey from scattering.
Fast-moving and wary, it is a display animal rather than one for handling. Because most animals in trade are wild-caught, screen new arrivals for parasites and allow a proper settling-in period. If housing animals together, provide more climbing sites and hides than there are animals.
Not listed on any CITES appendix. The IUCN assesses it as Least Concern. It appears neither on the schedule of designated dangerous animals under the Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals nor on Japan's list of invasive alien species. Its range is very wide and six subspecies are recognised, so colour and size vary with provenance. It has been introduced to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Emerald Tree Skink is At least 7 years with proper care. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Emerald Tree Skink typically reaches 22-25cm total length as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Emerald Tree Skink feeds on: Carnivorous: insects and arthropods such as crickets and roaches. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Emerald Tree Skink varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026