South-western Crevice Egernia
| Common Name: | South-western Crevice Egernia |
| Scientific Name: | Egernia napoleonis |
| Family: | Scincidae (Skinks) |
| Genus: | Egernia |
| Status: | Secure – Category 2 |
| Size: | SVL 135mm |
Variable member of E. striolata group with strongly-keeled dorsal scales. Dorsal ground colour pale or dark olive-brown, grey to blackish, often flushed with brown on hips, hindlimbs and base of tail. Blackish-brown spots of variable size and shape are arranged in 3 longitudinal series from nape; a vertebral extends to hips, and dorsals extend well onto tail. Broad pale laterodorsal zone extends from nape to midbody, occasionally to hips. Numerous small whitish dots may be scattered over back and flanks. Prominent to obscure blackish-brown to dark grey upper lateral zone, extends from in front of eye, fading before hindlimb. Lower lateral zone usually pale brownish-grey, irregularly-marked with dark and pale scales. Head scales prominently edged with blackish-brown.
Arboreal and rock-inhabiting. In heathland and woodland communities, hollow stems of dead grass trees (Xanthorrhoea) are often used as shelter sites. Wet and dry sclerophyll forests, woodlands, coastal heathlands and rock outcrops in humid to subhumid south-west of WA. Extends north to about Green Head area and east to Twilight Cove.
Vivarium: Crevice Egernia’s are an arboreal skink with great climbing abilities, climbing enrichment is a must for this species, it is important to have plenty of ground space for them to comfortably move around their enclosure. A terrarium size of 60x45x45 (WxDxH) would be suitable to house 1 large adult, if you wish to house 2 or 3 Crevice Egernias 90x45x45 would be better suited.
Lighting & Heating: Crevice Egernias are primarily diurnal, therefore require high spectrum UVB lighting as well as an intense basking heat source. There are a number of ways to provide UVB, fluorescent 10.0 spectrum tubes or bulbs will provide UVB, a daylight basking heat globe will have to be used in conjunction. A mercury vapour globe will provide intense UVA & UVB light, mercury vapour globes are in our opinion superior to fluorescents as it is a longer lasting globe with more intense UVB output, however they cannot be used with a thermostat so work better with a larger enclosure that will easier maintain a thermal gradient. During the day, you want to achieve a basking ‘Hot Spot’ of 35°C and an air temperature ranging from 35°C in the hot end, and down to 20-25°C in the cool end. A heat rock or heat tile should be provided as tummy heat to help with digestion, this can also be used as a night time heat source. To monitor the temperatures inside the enclosure a thermometer should always be used.
Furnishings: A Crevice Egernia’s enclosure should include a large log on the ground which provides a natural hiding spot and climbing enrichment. Large, low hide rocks should be provided, one in the hot end and one in the cool end with the water bowl. Artificial foliage throughout the enclosure will allow the Crevice Egernia plenty of hiding spots and coverage. A pet bedding wood chips such as Chipsi or Critter Crumble can be used as a substrate, or red sand kept at the correct moisture would also be suitable and allow them somewhere to dig.
Food in captivity: Crevice Egernias should be fed 2-3 times a week, varying their food will ensure a balanced diet. Their diet should include a variety of fruits, vegetables and insects such as wood roaches and crickets. Small mice, raw meat and canned pet food should be given in moderation, calcium and vitamin supplements should occasionally be added to their food.
The essentials:
- Terrarium of appropriate size
- High spectrum UVB lighting
- Daytime Basking globe
- Thermometer
- Ground heat
- Water bowl & Food bowl
- Substrate
- Hide rocks
- Foliage for shelter
- Calcium and vitamin supplements
- Logs
