Common name: Emerald Tree Skink
Scientific name: Lamprolepis smaragdina
Origin: Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands)
Size: 8–10 inches (including tail)
Weight: ~20–30 g
Lifespan: 7–12 years in captivity (longer with excellent care)
Color: Bright emerald green (most common), sometimes with brown backs or blue hues
Body: Slender, elongated, with long legs and sharp claws for climbing
Tail: Long and whip-like, excellent for balance but fragile if injured
Eyes: Large, alert, with expressive gaze
Build: Agile and sleek — very different from bulky lizards like blue-tongue skinks
Personality: Curious, active, and intelligent but skittish compared to many reptiles
Handling: Not great “cuddle” pets — they tolerate short, gentle handling but are very fast and can escape easily
Behavior: Arboreal (tree-dwelling), diurnal (day-active), often seen basking or exploring
Social: Can sometimes live in pairs/groups in very large enclosures, but males may fight
Enclosure: Vertical tank essential — at least 18x18x36 inches for one; bigger is better
Substrate: Soil, coconut fiber, bioactive setups with leaf litter
Decor: Lots of climbing branches, cork bark, and live plants for hiding and activity
Temperature:
Basking: 90–95°F
Ambient: 78–85°F
Night: ~70–75°F
Humidity: 70–80% (daily misting, live plants help)
Lighting: Strong UVB lighting required for health and calcium metabolism
Type: Omnivore (but insect-heavy)
Staple foods: Crickets, roaches, silkworms, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae
Fruits/veg: Soft fruits (mango, papaya, berries) and some greens (collard, mustard) in small amounts
Supplements: Calcium + D3 and multivitamins dusted on feeders
