Reptoria

Pebble-mimic dragon (Tympanocryptis cephalus)

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Pebble-mimic dragon (Tympanocryptis cephalus) (origin: The arid gibber and stone steppes of western and central Australia; the type species of the pebble-mimic group (revised in 2015, Doughty et al.)). Adult size around approx. 9–12 cm total length (a small, stocky species). Life expectancy estimated at 3–5 years (hardly any data). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Pebble-mimic dragon: How big does the enclosure need to be?

80×40×40 cm with plenty of flat stones and pebbles.

Pebble-mimic dragon: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 42–48 °C (stony gibber surface), at night 16–20 °C.

Pebble-mimic dragon: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 4, UV index 5–8; full desert sun).

Pebble-mimic dragon: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: estimated at 3–5 years (hardly any data).

Pebble-mimic dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
28–34 °C
Night temperature
16–20 °C
Basking spot
42–48 °C (stony gibber surface)
Humidity
30–45 % (arid)
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 4, UV index 5–8; full desert sun)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm with plenty of flat stones and pebbles
Substrate
A firm sand-loam floor with a covering of pebbles or scree (the camouflage mimics stones)

Feeding

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

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 9–12 cm total length (a small, stocky species)
Life expectancy
estimated at 3–5 years (hardly any data)
Origin
The arid gibber and stone steppes of western and central Australia; the type species of the pebble-mimic group (revised in 2015, Doughty et al.)
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 or dry rest of a few weeks at about 12–16 °C is advisable
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; NEVER keep males together. Bring them together only temporarily for breeding, with visual barriers.

Notes

Not established in herpetoculture. Perfect stone mimicry; it presses itself flat on gravel. The taxonomy was split in 2015 (T. gigas, diabolicus, fortescuensis and pseudopsephos were separated) – older figures may cover several species. The figures are derived from its relatives and habitat.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Pebble-mimic dragon (Tympanocryptis cephalus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm with plenty of flat stones and pebbles), substrate (A firm sand-loam floor with a covering of pebbles or scree (the camouflage mimics 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.

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Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis_cephalus

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).