Reptoria

McCartney's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis mccartneyi)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for McCartney's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis mccartneyi) (origin: Endemic to the grassland around Bathurst, NSW; geographically isolated. First described in 2019 (Melville et al.)). Adult size around approx. 13–16 cm total length (snout–vent length approx. 5–5.5 cm). Life expectancy 1–3 years in the wild; related grassland dragons reach 4–6 years in human care, exceptionally up to 9 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

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

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

Daytime 24–30 °C (temperate grassland), basking spot Spot 35–40 °C, at night 12–17 °C.

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

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

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

Life expectancy: 1–3 years in the wild; related grassland dragons reach 4–6 years in human care, exceptionally up to 9 years.

McCartney's 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
12–17 °C
Basking spot
Spot 35–40 °C
Humidity
40–60 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm with tussocks of grass and earth tubes
Substrate
A loam floor with tussocks of grass, flat stones and arthropod 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. 13–16 cm total length (snout–vent length approx. 5–5.5 cm)
Life expectancy
1–3 years in the wild; related grassland dragons reach 4–6 years in human care, exceptionally up to 9 years
Origin
Endemic to the grassland around Bathurst, NSW; geographically isolated. First described in 2019 (Melville et al.)
Protection status
Nationally at high risk (possibly extinct, EPBC-relevant); Australian native wildlife, export prohibited – NOT in the trade, only in a conservation context
Brumation
A winter rest (brumation) of several weeks at about 8–14 °C (a temperate climate)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; NEVER keep males together. Put them together only within controlled conservation programmes.

Notes

Described only in 2019, extremely rare (possibly already gone), with no husbandry literature. The figures are derived conservatively from the grassland complex – uncertain. Of purely conservation interest.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep McCartney's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis mccartneyi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm with tussocks of grass and earth tubes), substrate (A loam floor with tussocks of grass, flat stones and arthropod 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: 23 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: australian.museum, bmleh.de (Gutachten Mindestanforderungen Reptilien 1997), earlessdragonalliance.com.au, en.wikipedia.org, environment.nsw.gov.au (NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Conservation Assessment)

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).