Reptoria

Inland earless dragon (Tympanocryptis intima)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Inland earless dragon (Tympanocryptis intima) (origin: The arid gibber and stone deserts of central and eastern Australia). Adult size around ~11 cm total length (SVL ~5 cm). Life expectancy Not documented for this species; related earless dragons reach 9–10 years in the terrarium. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80 × 40 × 40 cm for a single animal, 120 × 50 × 40 cm from a pair.

Inland earless dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C, basking spot 38–43 °C (extremely heat-tolerant), at night 18–22 °C.

Inland earless dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Essential (desert-grade UVB).

Inland earless dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: Not documented for this species; related earless dragons reach 9–10 years in the terrarium.

Inland earless dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–35 °C
Night temperature
18–22 °C
Basking spot
38–43 °C (extremely heat-tolerant)
Humidity
20–40 % (arid)
UVB
Essential (desert-grade UVB)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80 × 40 × 40 cm for a single animal, 120 × 50 × 40 cm from a pair
Substrate
Firm sand, gravel and loam (stone or gibber desert), diggable

Feeding

Food
Insectivorous: small crickets, house crickets, ants, termites, beetles
Feeding interval
Adults several times a week

Key facts

Adult size
~11 cm total length (SVL ~5 cm)
Life expectancy
Not documented for this species; related earless dragons reach 9–10 years in the terrarium
Origin
The arid gibber and stone deserts of central and eastern Australia
Protection status
Australian species-protection and export law; endemic, hardly ever legally in the trade
Brumation
2–3 months of winter dormancy during the winter half-year at 16–18 °C with lighting switched off (proven with related military dragons)
Cohabitation
Single housing, or one male with one to three females; never two males. The reason: several males fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently sits in a corner. Females usually get along but each needs its own basking spot and hide; feed separately if they differ in size. Always have a way to separate them ready.

Notes

Practically not established in the hobby, with barely any husbandry data. The figures are derived from field data (basking up to 43 °C) and arid agamas – for experienced keepers only.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Inland earless dragon (Tympanocryptis intima) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80 × 40 × 40 cm for a single animal, 120 × 50 × 40 cm from a pair), substrate (Firm sand, gravel and loam (stone or gibber desert), diggable), 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: Wikipedia EN, dragonzoo.de, einrichtungsbeispiele.de, mountain-monitors.ch, reptile-database.reptarium.cz

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).