These large, heavy-bodied skinks are native to the semi-desert and brushy steppe areas of New Guinea. They are primarily plant eating ground dwellers that are active during the day.
Maximum size: 30”
Lighting: Full spectrum fluorescent UV
bulbs and a basking light are required.
Temperature range: Day 80°- 89°F Night 64°-75°F Basking 95°-104°F
Food: Vegetables are an important
part of their diet. Good examples are
chopped or shredded kale, collard greens, carrots, squash, and beans. Crickets,
snails and mealworms coated in vitamin/mineral powder should also be included
in their diet.
Water: A large shallow bowl of
clean water should always be available for drinking and soaking. Mist daily with water to keep substrate
damp.
Housing/Habitat: Their natural habitat can be simulated with an aquarium equipped with an under tank heater at one end. The bottom of the aquarium should be covered with a lizard litter or reptibark type substrate. The terrarium should be landscaped to provide a basking area and hiding places. The substrate under the hiding places should be misted to keep them slightly damp.