Species Care

SHINGLE-BACK LIZARD

Trachydosaurus rugosus

Keeping Snapshot:
  • Difficulty: Beginner - Intermediate
  • Max Growth Size: 41cm
  • Temperament: Docile. Will become tame with regular handling.
  • Licensing: Private Wildlife (Basic) Licence
DOWNLOAD THIS CARE SHEET Habitat:
  • Heating:
    27 - 32 degrees C with a basking spot heated to 36 degrees C
  • Lighting:
    UVA / UVB (Exo Terra 10.0 globes recommended)
  • Environment:
    Sandy desert style terrain with sparse native vegetation. Provide a hide and leaf litter for shelter.

Range: South-west WA, widely distributed throughout South Australia, western Victoria, south-west Queensland, western NSW.

Feeding: Mainly fruit and vegetables such as carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, apple, melon, banana, strawberries. Occasional strips of meat (i.e. beef heart).

Additional Comments: The short round tail of this species is supposed to look like a second head - a diversion tactic used when dealing with predators.

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