Rough-scaled sun skink (Eutropis rugifera)
Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Rough-scaled sun skink (Eutropis rugifera) (origin: The Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra). Adult size around 15–20 cm total length. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Rough-scaled sun skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a group.
Rough-scaled sun skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot Basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Rough-scaled sun skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Rough-scaled sun skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
Rough-scaled sun skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 32–35 °C
- Humidity
- 75–90 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a group
- Substrate
- Forest-floor substrate with a deep layer of leaf litter
Feeding
- Food
- Crickets, house crickets, roaches and earthworms, dusted regularly with calcium and vitamins
- Feeding interval
- adults 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 6–12 years
- Origin
- The Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is the least stressful option. One male with one or two females is also possible if every animal gets its own heat spot and hide, and animals of different sizes are fed separately. Two males do not get on: in closely related Eutropis species, male territorial fights regularly end in injury.
Notes
A rainforest species; keep it permanently humid.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Rough-scaled sun skink (Eutropis rugifera) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Bronze grass skink (Eutropis macularia) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Long-tailed sun skink (Eutropis longicaudata) – Beginner
- East Indian brown mabuya (Eutropis multifasciata) – Intermediate
- Keeled grass skink (Eutropis carinata) – Beginner with some knowledge
- African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
- Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) – Intermediate
- Berber skink (Eumeces schneideri) – Beginner to intermediate
- Berdmore's water skink (Tropidophorus berdmorei) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Rough-scaled sun skink (Eutropis rugifera) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a group), substrate (Forest-floor substrate with a deep layer of leaf litter), 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: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eutropis_rugifera, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Eutropis&species=rugifera
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).