European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii)
Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii) (origin: South-eastern Europe to Turkey). Adult size around 8–13 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
European snake-eyed skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a group.
European snake-eyed skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–28 °C, basking spot Basking spot 30–34 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
European snake-eyed skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0).
European snake-eyed skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
European snake-eyed skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–28 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 30–34 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a group
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with a deep layer of leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–13 cm
- Life expectancy
- 6–12 years
- Origin
- South-eastern Europe to Turkey
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keep in pairs (1.2); never house males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on but each needs its own retreat; feed separately once they differ in size.
Notes
A tiny, very shy species from leaf litter. Not native to Germany, and protected in several EU states — clarify its origin.
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Related species
- Budak's snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus budaki) – Beginner with some knowledge
- African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
- Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) – Intermediate
- Berber skink (Eumeces schneideri) – Beginner to intermediate
- Berdmore's water skink (Tropidophorus berdmorei) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Mountain skink (Plestiodon callicephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Pacific blue-tailed skink (Emoia caeruleocauda) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Blue-tongued water skink (Tropidophorus cocincinensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a group), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with a deep layer of leaf litter), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ablepharus_kitaibelii, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Ablepharus&species=kitaibelii
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).