
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Egernia hosmeri
A large skink of dry, rocky northern Australia. It is reddish brown with light and dark spots and a darker head and neck. Its flatter, spinier tail separates it from Cunningham's skink.
Hosmer's spiny-tailed skink is a large Egernia skink found in the dry, rocky regions of Queensland and the Northern Territory, Australia. Its type locality is Kaban, Queensland, and the species name honors Australian herpetologist William Hosmer. It is diurnal and terrestrial, living in rocky areas. The upper surface is mostly reddish brown with scattered darker and paler spots on the back, legs and tail; the head and neck are darker brown, the belly white, and there are a few dark brown blotches under the chin. Snout-vent length is about 18 cm, and the tail is about 60% of that. Its closest relative is Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink (E. cunninghami), but E. hosmeri has a flatter and spinier tail. It is viviparous, giving birth to an average of four young. It is omnivorous, eating insects, leaves, shoots and berries. Egernia has been in CITES Appendix III at Australia's request since June 2022, so international trade needs documents. In Japan small numbers of captive-bred animals are sold in specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Hosmer's Spiny-tailed Skink grows to About 18 cm snout-vent length (tail about 60% of SVL).
Origin
Dry rocky areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory, Australia
Lifespan
Few data on lifespan in captivity
Size
About 18 cm snout-vent length (tail about 60% of SVL)
Temperature
25〜32℃
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: Egernia hosmeri Kinghorn, 1955
Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Egernia hosmeri · GBIF: Egernia hosmeri
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Listed in CITES Appendix III by Australia (genus-level listing since 22 June 2022). Exports from Australia need an Australian export permit and exports from other countries need a certificate of origin or similar, but no registration is needed to keep or transfer the animal within Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES): Egernia hosmeri
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Humidity
40〜70%
Omnivore (insects, leaves, shoots, berries)
A terrestrial lizard of dry rocky country; build rock piles with crevices and keep the enclosure fairly dry and well ventilated.
It is diurnal; provide a basking spot and a cooler area to create a gradient.
An omnivore: offer insects plus leafy greens, shoots and berries.
It is viviparous, averaging four young per litter; watch the condition of breeding females.
Tell it from Cunningham's skink by its flatter, spinier tail, and check the scientific name when buying. Never release a captive animal into the wild.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
Hosmer's Spiny-tailed Skink typically reaches About 18 cm snout-vent length (tail about 60% of SVL) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Hosmer's Spiny-tailed Skink feeds on: Omnivore (insects, leaves, shoots, berries). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Hosmer's Spiny-tailed Skink varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026