Variable skink (Trachylepis varia)
Skinks · Difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge
Key facts and care guidance for Variable skink (Trachylepis varia) (origin: Southern and eastern Africa). Adult size around 13–18 cm. Life expectancy 6–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Variable skink: How big does the enclosure need to be?
100×50×50 cm for a group.
Variable skink: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot Basking spot 36–40 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Variable skink: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0).
Variable skink: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–12 years.
Variable skink: Is it suitable for beginners?
Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner with some knowledge).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–32 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- Basking spot 36–40 °C
- Humidity
- 50–70 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 100×50×50 cm for a group
- Substrate
- A sand-loam mix with stone slabs and roots
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
- Southern and eastern Africa
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- No winter rest required; somewhat cooler and drier in winter, which encourages breeding condition
- Cohabitation
- A harem (1.2) for breeding is the usual recommendation; never keep several males together. Little behavioural data exists for T. varia itself; in the closely related rainbow skink (T. margaritifer), male dominance fights over territory and mating chances are documented. Females generally get along but need their own heat and hiding spots; feed separately if sizes differ.
Notes
A small, very lively species. It needs plenty of hides.
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Related species
- African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) – Intermediate
- Speckle-lipped skink (Trachylepis maculilabris) – Beginner with some knowledge
- African striped skink (Trachylepis striata) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Cape skink (Trachylepis capensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Rainbow skink (Trachylepis margaritifera) – Beginner
- Teita skink (Trachylepis perrotetii) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Zebra skink (Trachylepis dichroma) – Beginner
- Algerian skink (Eumeces algeriensis) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Variable skink (Trachylepis varia) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (100×50×50 cm for a group), substrate (A sand-loam mix with stone slabs and roots), 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: https://dubiaroaches.com/blogs/lizard-care/rainbow-skink-care-sheet, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trachylepis_varia, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Trachylepis&species=varia
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).