Description:
Scientific name: Eutropis multifasciata
Life span: 8 years
Rather obtuse snout. Scaly lower eyelids. Frontonasal wider than long; prefrontal continuously forming a median suture; frontal as long as or shorter than the frontoparietals and interparietals together, in contact with the second (rarely also with the first); supraocular: Nostril behind vertical of the suture between rostral and first labial; a postnasal; anterior loreal not deeper than the second. In contact with the first labial; supranas the fronto-parietals are distinct and larger than the interparietal, which completely divides the parietals, with 4 supraoculars, the second largest, and 6 supraciliaries, the largest. 4 labials prior to the subocular, which is big and not narrower below, and a pair of nuchals.
Native Region/Habitat
They are common throughout Asia and may be found in a wide range of settings; this versatility makes them relatively simple to maintain.
Behavior:
The Golden Sun Skink is an undemanding small to medium-sized skink that is quite active and has a lot of personality. Although they are not recognized for being very gentle, this species is hardy and doesn’t present too many problems if maintained. Some do permit handling, but take caution because they may move really quickly!
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Housing Requirements
Environment: Found all over the forest and jungle, in grasslands, and on the edges of agricultural land.
Vivarium Size: For these energetic lizards, we advise a 36x15x15 vivarium, but as with most lizard species, the bigger the cage, the better. Because sun skinks are semi-fossorial and spend some time underground, floor space is more vital than climbing opportunities. With enough room, bronze skinks can be housed in groups.
Substrate: The optimal forest mix would permit the blue tongue to burrow and dig while also retaining water and increasing humidity. Useful prepared substrates include forest bedding, coco husk, bark chippings, and mixed soils, among many other varieties. The skinks will benefit from the enrichment provided by underground hides (such buried drain pipes), strong low branches, and slate/rocks.
Food and Water: Golden sun skinks only eat insects and will consume any other invertebrate that will fit within their mouths. The main components of the diet will include crickets, locusts, morio worms, roaches, and mealworms, with waxworms, tiny snails, and earthworms serving as occasional treats. Water should always be accessible, with the ability to fully submerge oneself. A range of 60 to 70% relative humidity should be maintained.
Heat/Light Requirements: Sun skinks like it when it’s hot and humid, but not too humid. There should be a basking area and a reasonably even temperature gradient in the vivarium. These animals require UV lighting, which should deliver 5-6% UVB for 10–12 hours per day.
Your sun skink will thrive at the following temperatures, all of which are thermostatically adjustable:
- Day: 25 to 28 °C (cool end)
- 32–35°C for basking (warm end).
- Evening: 22 to 24°C
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