Emerald Tree Skink

Emerald Tree Skink key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

At least 7 years with proper care

Size

22-25cm total length

Temperature

Basking area 35°C, cool side 24-29°C, 20-25°C at night

Humidity

About 70% by day, rising to nearly 100% at night

Diet

Carnivorous: insects and arthropods such as crickets and roaches

Temperature & Humidity

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.

Enclosure

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.

Diet & Feeding

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.

Temperament

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.

Notes

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.

About Emerald Tree Skink

An arboreal skink with a lime-green body and striking black eyes. Suited to keepers with some experience, it can live 7+ years with proper care.

7 things to know before welcoming a Emerald Tree Skink

1. 1A Tall Enclosure for Arboreal Life

   Emerald Tree Skinks spend more time among branches and foliage than on the ground. Choose an enclosure with more vertical height than floor space, and furnish it with branches of varying thickness alongside live or artificial plants to create climbing routes.

2. 2Temperature and Humidity Control

   As a tropical arboreal species, it needs a proper temperature gradient and relatively high humidity within the enclosure. Combine misting, a humidifier, and well-ventilated furnishings to help maintain suitable conditions.

3. 3A Manageable Adult Size

   Adults typically reach about 22 to 25 cm in total length, making enclosure planning more manageable compared to larger-growing reptiles. That said, because they are highly active climbers, be sure to provide ample vertical space.

4. 4A Shy, Easily Startled Temperament

   This species tends to be sensitive to sudden noises or movements and often retreats to hiding spots when startled. Providing plenty of foliage and branches to create visual cover can help it feel more secure.

5. 5Preparing for a Long-Term Commitment

   With proper care, this species can live 7 years or more, making it a long-term companion. Before bringing one home, estimate the setup costs and the time daily care will require, and confirm you can sustain it comfortably.

6. 6Points for a Basic Health Check

   When choosing an individual, check for bright, clear eyes with well-defined yellow rims, firm-looking skin, and healthy toes. Avoid animals that seem sluggish or underweight, and consult an experienced keeper or specialist if anything seems uncertain.

7. 7Why It Suits Keepers With Some Experience

   Between the temperature and humidity management, the need for a well-built vertical layout, and accommodating its nervous temperament, this species involves several elements that can be demanding for a first-time reptile keeper. Prior experience with basic reptile care makes day-to-day management considerably smoother.

Frequently asked questions about Emerald Tree Skink

Q.Can beginners keep an Emerald Tree Skink?

A.This species is generally considered suited to keepers with some experience. It's recommended to have a foundation in basic reptile care, including temperature/humidity management and building a vertical enclosure layout, before bringing one home.

Q.How large does it grow?

A.Adults reach roughly 22 to 25 cm in total length. While the body itself is fairly compact, they are active climbers, so a tall enclosure is recommended.

Q.What is its lifespan?

A.With proper care, it's said to live 7 years or more. It's worth considering in advance whether you can commit to its long-term care.

Q.Does coloring and patterning vary between individuals?

A.Yes. While vivid lime-green individuals are the most typical, some show brown coloring with white flecking on the hind legs and lower body, and others display an overall brown or dark-mottled appearance.

Q.Is it subject to any international trade regulation?

A.This species is not listed under CITES. There's no need to worry about special legal procedures related to this in particular when bringing one home.

Useful tools for Emerald Tree Skink care

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