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Fortescue earless dragon (Tympanocryptis fortescuensis)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Fortescue earless dragon (Tympanocryptis fortescuensis) (origin: The Pilbara region, Western Australia (the Fortescue area); gibber and stone plains. First described in 2015 (Doughty, Kealley, Shoo & Melville)). 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

Fortescue earless dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

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

Fortescue earless dragon: What temperature does it need?

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

Fortescue earless dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

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

Fortescue earless dragon: How long do they live?

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

Fortescue 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 and flat stones

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 Pilbara region, Western Australia (the Fortescue area); gibber and stone plains. First described in 2015 (Doughty, Kealley, Shoo & Melville)
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 (arid, with 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 entirely from its habitat and relatives (the pebble-mimic group) and are correspondingly uncertain. Not in the trade.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Fortescue earless dragon (Tympanocryptis fortescuensis) 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 and flat stones), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.

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Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis_fortescuensis

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).