Reptoria

Devil's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis diabolicus)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Devil's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis diabolicus) (origin: The Hamersley Range / Pilbara, Western Australia; gibber and stone plains. First described in 2015 (Doughty et al.), also the "Hamersley pebble-mimic dragon"). Adult size around approx. 9–12 cm total length (a small pebble-mimic species). Life expectancy unknown, estimated at 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Devil's earless dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm with a gravel and scree structure.

Devil's earless dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 29–34 °C, basking spot 42–48 °C, at night 17–21 °C.

Devil's earless dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 4, UV index 5–8).

Devil's earless dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: unknown, estimated at 3–5 years.

Devil's earless dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature
29–34 °C
Night temperature
17–21 °C
Basking spot
42–48 °C
Humidity
25–45 % (arid, Pilbara)
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 4, UV index 5–8)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm with a gravel and scree structure
Substrate
Red-brown sand-loam with a pebble covering or flat stones (stone mimicry)

Feeding

Food
Small insects: ants, termites, small crickets, roaches
Feeding interval
adults every 1–2 days, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 9–12 cm total length (a small pebble-mimic species)
Life expectancy
unknown, estimated at 3–5 years
Origin
The Hamersley Range / Pilbara, Western Australia; gibber and stone plains. First described in 2015 (Doughty et al.), also the "Hamersley pebble-mimic dragon"
Protection status
Protected: CITES Appendix III, EU Annex C - proof of origin required at purchase and resale. Australian native wildlife, export banned under the EPBC Act (no legal EU trade); narrow range.
Brumation
A cooler dry or winter rest of a few weeks at about 14–16 °C is plausible (there is little data)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; NEVER keep males together. Only a temporary breeding pair with a visual screen.

Notes

Described only in 2015, with no husbandry literature – the figures are derived from its habitat and relatives, and are uncertain. Perfect gravel and stone mimicry. Not in the trade.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Devil's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis diabolicus) in the marketplace →

Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Devil's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis diabolicus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm with a gravel and scree structure), substrate (Red-brown sand-loam with a pebble covering or flat stones (stone mimicry)), 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/Tympanocryptis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis_diabolicus

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).