Spotted forest skink (Sphenomorphus maculatus)
Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Spotted forest skink (Sphenomorphus maculatus) (origin: South-East Asia). Adult size around 13–18 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Spotted forest skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a group.
Spotted forest skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 23–29 °C, basking spot No basking spot — warm corner up to 31 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Spotted forest skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Spotted forest skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
Spotted forest skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 23–29 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot — warm corner up to 31 °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
- 13–18 cm
- Life expectancy
- 6–12 years
- Origin
- South-East Asia
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest; somewhat cooler and drier in winter
- Cohabitation
- Keep in pairs (1.2); never house males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the best hides until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on but each needs its own hide; feed separately once they differ in size.
Notes
A small, very shy leaf-litter species.
Do you keep this species?
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Related species
- Indian forest skink (Sphenomorphus indicus) – 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
- Mountain skink (Plestiodon callicephalus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Pacific blue-tailed skink (Emoia caeruleocauda) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Blue-tongued water skink (Tropidophorus cocincinensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Spotted forest skink (Sphenomorphus maculatus) 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: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphenomorphus_maculatus, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Sphenomorphus&species=maculatus, Galoyan & Geissler 2013, Herpetological Journal 23(3), Autökologie im Cat-Tien-Nationalpark („a diurnal, small terrestrial skink“); Encyclopedia of Life Sphenomorphus maculatus (diurnal)
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).