Common Sun Skink (Eutropis multifasciata)

Common Sun Skink Eutropis multifasciata
Name	Common Sun Skink
Name Lat.	Eutropis multifasciata
Synonym	Mabuya multifasciata
Family	Skinks
Family lat.	Scincidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Wetlands
Diet	Insects, fruits
Humidity	70-80 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Ovoviviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	7-8 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	30 cm
Temperature	25-28 °C
Temperature Local	35 °C
Housing Size	100 x 50 x 50 cm
US Units
Size	12"
Temperature	77-82 °F
Temperature Local	95 °F
Housing Size	40" x 20" x 20"

Distribution and habitat

The many-striped skinks are widespread in southeast Asia, from India, through the Indochinese and Malay Peninsulas, to the Philippines. They live in open forests and scrublands mostly near water bodies. As cultivators they are often found near settlements

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

6KRL x 4KRL x 3KRL (L x W x H)

Head-torso length (KRL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 15%. A terrarium of e.g. 100 x 50 x 50 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

They need a humid terrarium with flat climbing branches, stone structures (hiding places, visual protection) and structured back and side walls (e.g. cork covering) as well as a large water bowl for bathing and a 10-15 cm deep substrate for digging. Terrarium humus or a soil-peat mixture, covered with some foliage and bark mulch, as well as planting for decoration (ficus, ivy, etc.) is suitable. The substrate should always be kept slightly moist. Once a day the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water. A rain or mist system is ideal

Temp. day: 25-28 °C

Temp. night: 20-22 °C

Temp. local: up to 40 °C

Humidity: 60-80

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs, depending on the season. They need sunny places with radiant heat and daily UV irradiation.

Diet

The diet consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, small grasshoppers, cockroaches, spiders, etc., occasionally supplemented with sweet fruits (e.g. bananas, berries). After habituation, ready-made food for insectivorous reptiles is often accepted. Wax moths should rarely be fed in very small amounts because of their large fat content. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins (e.g. by dusting the food) is important. Young animals should be offered food daily, adults 4-5 times a week. Drinking water must always be available

A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Males have a slightly broader head and a thicker tail root. A reliable sex determination is only possible by testosterone determination or endoscopy.

They are viviparous (ovoviviparous) and a litter consists of approximately 6 young. Small insects such as fruit flies, aphids, micro echinoderms etc. are suitable as initial food for the young

The life expectancy can be 7-8 years.

Important

Adult males behave territorially during the mating season

Depending on the area of origin, their temperature and humidity requirements vary and must be taken into account.

They need moist hiding places and sunny places according to their need for warmth, such as climbing branches or stones irradiated by a spot

They were introduced to the USA, where populations were able to develop.

With fruit and honey water as food for the feeders, their quality can be upgraded.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata 

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF