Reptoria

Grey tree skink (Dasia grisea)

Grey tree skink (Dasia grisea) in a terrarium

Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge

Key facts and care guidance for Grey tree skink (Dasia grisea) (origin: The Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra). Adult size around 20–28 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Grey tree skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×50 cm for a group.

Grey tree skink: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 25–31 °C, basking spot Basking spot 34–38 °C, at night 20–23 °C.

Grey tree skink: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0).

Grey tree skink: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–12 years.

Grey tree skink: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).

Climate

Daytime temperature
25–31 °C
Night temperature
20–23 °C
Basking spot
Basking spot 34–38 °C
Humidity
70–85 %
UVB
Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×50×50 cm for a group
Substrate
Forest-floor substrate with sturdy cork trunks

Feeding

Food
Crickets, house crickets, roaches and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
Feeding interval
adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
20–28 cm
Life expectancy
6–12 years
Origin
The Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra
Protection status
Not listed under CITES
Brumation
No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
Cohabitation
A harem (1.2); males never together. Little behavioural data exists for the species itself; rank fights between males over territory and basking spot are plausible in the genus Dasia and are assumed as a precaution.

Notes

An arboreal species that climbs trunks. It needs vertical structure.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Grey tree skink (Dasia grisea) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a group), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with sturdy cork trunks), 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/Dasia_grisea, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dasia_olivacea

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).