Reptoria

Long-tailed earless dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora)

Long-tailed earless dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Long-tailed earless dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora) (origin: Widespread across the arid and semi-arid interior: SA, NT, QLD, NSW to the tropical grasslands of northern Queensland; gibber plains, grassland, stony steppe, river cracks). Adult size around approx. 12–18 cm total length (SVL 5–7 cm, tail about 1.5× SVL). Life expectancy approx. 4–7 years; well-cared-for individuals can be older. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Long-tailed earless dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

100×50×50 cm for a single animal or a pair.

Long-tailed earless dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–33 °C (local gradient), basking spot 40–45 °C, at night 16–20 °C.

Long-tailed earless dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7; an open desert and grassland basker).

Long-tailed earless dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 4–7 years; well-cared-for individuals can be older.

Long-tailed earless dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–33 °C (local gradient)
Night temperature
16–20 °C
Basking spot
40–45 °C
Humidity
30–50 % (northern populations higher at times)
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7; an open desert and grassland basker)

Enclosure

Minimum size
100×50×50 cm for a single animal or a pair
Substrate
A firm sand-loam floor with drying cracks, flat stones and tussocks of grass

Feeding

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

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 12–18 cm total length (SVL 5–7 cm, tail about 1.5× SVL)
Life expectancy
approx. 4–7 years; well-cared-for individuals can be older
Origin
Widespread across the arid and semi-arid interior: SA, NT, QLD, NSW to the tropical grasslands of northern Queensland; gibber plains, grassland, stony steppe, river cracks
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). Widely distributed, not nationally threatened.
Brumation
Southern and inland animals: a cooler winter rest (brumation) of a few weeks at 10–15 °C; tropical populations milder
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. A territorial agama; NEVER keep males together. Put them together only temporarily for breeding (♂ × ♀) with plenty of space and a visual screen.

Notes

Not established in the trade (protection from wild collection). Characteristic thermoregulation: it stands upright on its hind legs and tail and turns its back or its pale underside to the sun. Oviparous, 1–14 eggs depending on the female's size. The best-documented species in the group.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Long-tailed earless dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora) in the marketplace →

Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Long-tailed earless dragon (Tympanocryptis tetraporophora) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a single animal or a pair), substrate (A firm sand-loam floor with drying cracks, flat stones and tussocks of grass), 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: 2 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: BML-Gutachten Reptilien 1997, EU-Verordnung 2026/1383 (Anhang), Wikipedia EN, aussiepythons.com, einrichtungsbeispiele.de

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).