Reptoria

Wilson's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis wilsoni)

Wilson's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis wilsoni), typical appearance of the species

Agamas · Difficulty: Expert

Key facts and care guidance for Wilson's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis wilsoni) (origin: Open grassland and brigalow belt around Roma, Queensland (the "Roma earless dragon"). First described by Melville et al. 2014 (formerly part of the T. pinguicolla complex)). Adult size around approx. 12–14 cm total length (SVL 5–6 cm). Life expectancy short-lived in the wild; captivity not documented. The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

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

80×40×40 cm with tussocks of grass and cracks or earth tubes in the floor.

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

Daytime 26–32 °C (subtropical grassland), basking spot 38–44 °C, at night 14–19 °C.

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

UVB: UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7).

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

Life expectancy: short-lived in the wild; captivity not documented.

Wilson's earless dragon: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature
26–32 °C (subtropical grassland)
Night temperature
14–19 °C
Basking spot
38–44 °C
Humidity
40–60 %
UVB
UVB needed (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–7)

Enclosure

Minimum size
80×40×40 cm with tussocks of grass and cracks or earth tubes in the floor
Substrate
A loam or clay floor with tussocks of grass, flat stones and arthropod burrows

Feeding

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

Key facts

Adult size
approx. 12–14 cm total length (SVL 5–6 cm)
Life expectancy
short-lived in the wild; captivity not documented
Origin
Open grassland and brigalow belt around Roma, Queensland (the "Roma earless dragon"). First described by Melville et al. 2014 (formerly part of the T. pinguicolla complex)
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); narrow range, potentially threatened.
Brumation
A mild winter rest of a few weeks at about 12–16 °C (subtropical, with cooler winters inland)
Cohabitation
Keep them singly. Territorial; NEVER keep males together. Only a temporary breeding pair with a visual screen.

Notes

A grassland species with a narrow range; no husbandry literature, so the figures are derived from its habitat. Not in the trade. It uses burrows and cracks in the soil as hides.

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Related species

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What you need to start

To keep Wilson's earless dragon (Tympanocryptis wilsoni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×40 cm with tussocks of grass and cracks or earth tubes in the floor), substrate (A loam or clay floor with tussocks of grass, flat stones and arthropod burrows), 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tympanocryptis_wilsoni

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).