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Houston's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis houstoni)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Houston's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis houstoni) (origin: Arid dwarf-shrub and chenopod flats (saltbush and bluebush) on the clay soils of the Nullarbor Plain, SA and WA). Adult size around approx. 9–13 cm total length (a small species). Life expectancy unknown, estimated at 3–5 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80×40×40 cm with a firm clay-loam surface and stones.

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

Daytime 28–33 °C, basking spot 40–46 °C, at night 14–19 °C.

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

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7).

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

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

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

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–33 °C
Night temperature
14–19 °C
Basking spot
40–46 °C
Humidity
25–45 % (arid, Nullarbor)
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm with a firm clay-loam surface and stones
Substrate
A firm clay-loam or sandy floor with saltbush-like dry structure and flat stones

Feeding

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

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 9–13 cm total length (a small species)
Life expectancy
unknown, estimated at 3–5 years
Origin
Arid dwarf-shrub and chenopod flats (saltbush and bluebush) on the clay soils of the Nullarbor Plain, SA and WA
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).
Brumation
A cooler winter rest of several weeks at about 10–15 °C (the Nullarbor has cool winters)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; NEVER keep males together. Only a temporary breeding pair with a visual screen.

Notes

Also the "Nullarbor earless dragon". A dweller of open saltbush plains on clay soil. No husbandry literature; the figures are derived from its habitat. Not in the trade.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Houston's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis houstoni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm with a firm clay-loam surface and stones), substrate (A firm clay-loam or sandy floor with saltbush-like dry structure 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.

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/Tympanocryptis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis_houstoni

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).