
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Egernia stokesii
An Australian skink of semi-arid country with a short, flattened tail covered in spiny scales. It lives in stable family groups of up to about 17 related animals, rare social behavior for a lizard.
The Gidgee or Stokes's skink is a diurnal Egernia skink found in fragmented semi-arid habitats across Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland and New South Wales. Three subspecies are recognized (the nominate form, E. s. badia of mainland Western Australia and E. s. zellingi of the east); the species is Least Concern, but one subspecies is listed as endangered. Adults measure 155 to 190 mm snout-vent length, with maximum size varying by subspecies (194 mm in badia, 83 mm in zellingi). It is olive to reddish brown with scattered paler scales and a white to yellow belly. Dorsal scales are keeled from the neck to the tail, and the flattened tail, only about 35% of snout-vent length, is covered in spiny scales; it cannot shed its tail. Groups of up to 17 closely related individuals share rock or log crevices for years and use a communal scat pile, social behavior rare among lizards. It is omnivorous, eating beetles, grasshoppers and other arthropods plus plant material, with adults eating proportionally more plants. It matures late, at five or six years, and lives 10 to 25 years. In Japan small numbers of captive-bred animals are sold in specialist shops.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Gidgee Spiny-tailed Skink lives 10-25 years.
The Gidgee Spiny-tailed Skink grows to 155-190 mm snout-vent length (up to 194 mm by subspecies).
Origin
Semi-arid Australia (WA, SA, NT, Queensland, NSW)
Lifespan
10-25 years
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 stokesii (Gray, 1845)
Synonyms: Silubosaurus stokesii Gray, 1845, Silubosaurus zellingi De Vis, 1884, Egernia stokesii aethiops Storr, 1978
Authority databases: GBIF · The Reptile Database: Egernia stokesii · GBIF: Egernia stokesii
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 stokesii
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Size
155-190 mm snout-vent length (up to 194 mm by subspecies)
Temperature
25〜32℃
Humidity
40〜70%
Omnivore (beetles, grasshoppers and plants)
It shelters in rock and log crevices, so build tight gaps with stacked rocks or wood. It lives in groups, so allow ample space if keeping several.
A diurnal lizard of semi-arid country that basks in close contact with group members; provide a basking spot, a cooler area and good ventilation.
Combine insects such as beetles and grasshoppers with plant matter. Juveniles eat more insects; adults eat more plants.
It lives long-term in kin groups and recognizes group members by scent, so avoid suddenly introducing unrelated animals.
It cannot shed its tail; support the whole body when handling because the tail spines are hard. It matures late, at five to six years.
Size differs greatly between subspecies, so confirm subspecies and lineage 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.
The average lifespan of Gidgee Spiny-tailed Skink is 10-25 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Gidgee Spiny-tailed Skink typically reaches 155-190 mm snout-vent length (up to 194 mm by subspecies) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Gidgee Spiny-tailed Skink feeds on: Omnivore (beetles, grasshoppers and plants). Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Gidgee Spiny-tailed Skink varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026