Desert skink (Egernia formosa)
Skinks · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Desert skink (Egernia formosa) (origin: Western Australia). Adult size around 18–24 cm. Life expectancy 15–25 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Desert skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
150×70×60 cm for a family group.
Desert skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.
Desert skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0).
Desert skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–25 years.
Desert skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–20 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 40–45 °C
- Humidity
- 35–55 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 150×70×60 cm for a family group
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and roots
Feeding
- Food
- Insects and plant food in rotation — these species eat considerably more greens than other skinks
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 18–24 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–25 years
- Origin
- Western Australia
- Protection status
- Australia has not exported wildlife for decades — only European captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- A cooler rest of 8–10 weeks at 12–16 °C
- Cohabitation
- A group (family unit) is normal and desirable for this relationship group; never combine unfamiliar males.
Notes
A smaller species, likewise living socially.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Tree skink (Egernia striolata) – Beginner
- Cunningham's skink (Egernia cunninghami) – Intermediate
- Black rock skink (Egernia saxatilis) – Intermediate
- Hosmer's spiny-tailed skink (Egernia hosmeri) – Intermediate
- King's skink (Egernia kingii) – Intermediate
- Eastern crevice skink (Egernia mcpheei) – Intermediate
- Richard's crevice skink (Egernia richardi) – Intermediate
- Pygmy spiny-tailed skink (Egernia depressa) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Desert skink (Egernia formosa) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×70×60 cm for a family group), substrate (A sand-loam mix they can dig in, with solid rock structures and roots), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldfield%27s_crevice-skink, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Egernia&species=formosa, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_rock_skink
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).