Short answer: A small, curious, half-burrowing skink from around the Mediterranean. One adult needs a 36 × 18 × 12 inch enclosure, a 95–100°F basking spot, a 72–78°F cool side, 40–60% humidity, UVB reaching UVI 3–4, and insects 2–3 times a week with some greens.
Every number below links to the care source it came from. No AI-written care advice.
- Habitat
- Desert Dunes
- Home range
- The Mediterranean coast, western Africa and the Arabian peninsula
- Adult size
- 7–9 in
- Lifespan
- 10–20 years
- Diet
- Insects, some greens
- Active
- Daytime
- Care level
- Beginner [source]
Setup at a glance
| Enclosure (adult minimum) | 36 × 18 × 12 in. [source] |
|---|---|
| Basking spot | 95–100°F [source] |
| Cool end | 72–78°F [source] |
| Humidity | 40–60% [source] |
| UVB (recommended) | UVB reaching UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking spot; aim for UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking spot. [source] |
| Adult size · lifespan | 7–9 in · 10–20 years |
What to feed, and how often
Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms) and greens such as kale and dandelion. [source]
| Juvenile and adult | Insects 2–3 times a week; vegetables twice a week |
|---|
Supplements: Lightly dust insects with calcium; an occasional multivitamin with retinol (vitamin A).
When is the next meal due?Feeding schedule →More ocellated skinks
Ocellated skink FAQ
What size enclosure does a ocellated skink need?
At least 36 × 18 × 12 inches (length × depth × height) for one adult. [source]
What temperature does a ocellated skink need?
A basking spot of 95–100°F and 72–78°F at the cool end. [source]
What humidity does a ocellated skink need?
40–60%. [source]
Does a ocellated skink need UVB?
UVB is recommended. UVB reaching UVI 3.0–4.0 at the basking spot. Aim for a UVI of 3.0–4.0 where it basks. [source]
What do ocellated skinks eat?
Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, hornworms) and greens such as kale and dandelion. Supplements: Lightly dust insects with calcium; an occasional multivitamin with retinol (vitamin A). [source]
How often should I feed a ocellated skink?
Juvenile and adult: Insects 2–3 times a week; vegetables twice a week. [source]
How big do ocellated skinks get, and how long do they live?
Adults reach 7–9 in and live 10–20 years with good care. [source]
Where do ocellated skinks come from?
The Mediterranean coast, western Africa and the Arabian peninsula. They are most active: daytime. [source]
Is a ocellated skink a good reptile for beginners?
ReptiFiles rates its care level as beginner. It is one of the easier reptiles to start with if the setup is right. [source]
Neighbors in the Desert Dunes
DesertBeginner
Leopard geckoEublepharis macularius
7–10 in15–20+ yearsInsects
DesertIntermediate
Bearded dragonPogona vitticeps
18–24 in10–15 years (20–25 possible)Insects and vegetables
DesertIntermediate
Ackie monitorVaranus acanthurus
About 24 in15+ yearsInsects, some lizard prey
Desert
Russian tortoiseTestudo horsfieldii
5–10 inUp to 50 years or moreHerbivore: greens, grasses, weeds
Desert
Kenyan sand boaEryx colubrinus
12–24 in (some females to 36 in)Up to 30 yearsRodents
Sources
General husbandry information, not veterinary advice. If your animal is losing weight or seems unwell, see a reptile vet (find one through ARAV). Updated November 9, 2026.