Reptoria

Lined earless dragon (Tympanocryptis lineata)

Lined earless dragon (Tympanocryptis lineata), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Lined earless dragon (Tympanocryptis lineata) (origin: The natural temperate grassland around Canberra (ACT) and adjoining NSW; a very restricted range. Confirmed as a separate species in 2019 (Melville et al.)). Adult size around approx. 12–15 cm total length (SVL 5–7 cm). Life expectancy short-lived in the wild (often under 3–4 years); captivity barely documented. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80×40×40 cm with dense tussocks of grass and invertebrate earth tubes.

Lined earless dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–30 °C (temperate grassland), basking spot 36–42 °C, at night 12–18 °C.

Lined earless dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6; open grassland).

Lined earless dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: short-lived in the wild (often under 3–4 years); captivity barely documented.

Lined earless dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
24–30 °C (temperate grassland)
Night temperature
12–18 °C
Basking spot
36–42 °C
Humidity
40–60 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6; open grassland)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm with dense tussocks of grass and invertebrate earth tubes
Substrate
A loamy floor with tussocks of grass, flat stones and open cracks or spider and cricket burrows as hides

Feeding

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

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 12–15 cm total length (SVL 5–7 cm)
Life expectancy
short-lived in the wild (often under 3–4 years); captivity barely documented
Origin
The natural temperate grassland around Canberra (ACT) and adjoining NSW; a very restricted range. Confirmed as a separate species in 2019 (Melville et al.)
Protection status
Nationally listed as threatened or endangered (EPBC Act); Australian native wildlife, export prohibited – NOT in the trade, only in a conservation context; registration required
Brumation
A winter rest (brumation) of several weeks at about 8–14 °C is needed (a temperate highland)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; NEVER keep males together. Put them together only within controlled breeding programmes.

Notes

A badly endangered grassland species, effectively relevant only in conservation breeding and field protection, not in private keeping. It uses burrows dug by arthropods as a key hide. The figures are derived conservatively from its habitat.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Lined earless dragon (Tympanocryptis lineata) in the marketplace →

Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Lined earless dragon (Tympanocryptis lineata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm with dense tussocks of grass and invertebrate earth tubes), substrate (A loamy floor with tussocks of grass, flat stones and open cracks or spider and cricket burrows as hides), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis_lineata

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).