It will primarily eat insects like crickets, waxworms, snails, and more. In general, the droppings of the common house lizards are pellet-shaped . If it was due to some infections, you shouldnt use the same tank again. Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 02:03, "Prey Capture Behavior in the Blue-tongued Skink, Tiliqua scincoides", Department for Environment and Heritage > Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard - fact sheet, "Feeding and Care of Your Blue-Tongued Skink", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Blue-tongued_skink&oldid=1139424209, This page was last edited on 15 February 2023, at 02:03. Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. The video below shows you a couple of blue tongue skinks but also other lizard brumating. The Blue Tongued Skink is a fascinating animal that makes a great pet for anyone interested in raising reptiles. Theres a lot that you can feed blue tongue skinks. This is a significant first step to recognizing any issues in your pet. An adult blue tongue skink requires a minimum of 8 sq ft of floor space or 120-gallon or a 48x24x18 enclosure. These are their safe spaces and with a diversity of lizard shapes and sizes, a diversity of spider burrows to fit them becomes a necessity. [7], Blue-tongues skink species are generally docile, gentle, quiet and easily tamed, and can make a good reptile pet for beginners. Halmahera Blue . Learn more. While in these developed spaces, theyve been documented avoiding roads. Are Blue Tongued Skinks Friendly? All the skinks species are active in this form. This is quite unusual for lizards, who typically dont like one another very often. Blue tongue skink is urinating frequently. Postby xkillmeowx Fri Dec 07, 2018 1:58 am, Postby Yeshika Tue Dec 11, 2018 7:37 pm, Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 20 guests. If your Blue tongue lizard is sick, a common symptom is weakness and lethargy. You might even see it if you accidentally do something to make them make uncomfortable! BLUE TONGUE SKINKS New skink started peeing on me Forum rules In this forum all are welcome to ask blue tongue skink-related questions, share information, ideas, tips, experiences, and pictures with fellow BTS enthusiasts. Keeping Bluetongue Lizards. A stocky and robust head and body gives way to a short, stout tail, supported a few millimeters off the substrate by small, nub-like arms. These reptiles are quite hardy and have few health problems as long as you provide plenty of calcium. They're lower maintenance but they're generally pretty chill. It stops eating and becomes lethargic. Skinks are capable of releasing water in a liquid stream, but its generally only done due to stress or because they have retained too much water. If you are wondering if your BTS is acting normally or might be sick, this is where you can get help with that. Ever y blue-tongued skinks, both adults and juveniles, are best kept separately. But not as dogs or humans do. This will be a heated part of the habitat that the lizard will use to increase their body temperature when they feel cold. We know a care guide cant cover everything! That is the white portion of a lizards poop. Sneezing is natural and helps your blue tongue skink clean its nose. Blue tongue skinks have a gentle personality and do well with both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Theyre quite stubby and easily tuck under the body. All eight of the species are viviparous, which means that they give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs or developing eggs within their bodies. Because they are harmless, and live in areas that are not highly trafficked by humans, these reptiles do not interact with humans too frequently. (Price Guide), Heat lamps to keep the temperature above 70 degrees. They will also feed on fruits, flowers, and berries, if they come across them. Moreover, this will be accompanied by sticky mucus in their mouth. There will be no movement in the tank. Over on the cool end, temperatures should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The most common characteristic of these lizards is the blue tongue that is used to warn potential predators. 5420. However, those lizards are more of an exception rather than the rule. Their thick bodies with short legs make them better adapted to burrowing and digging on the ground. Bodies of these animals appear to be silvery gray, brown, or tan with overlapping glossy scales. The pellets included up to 8 varieties of dried fruit blended to achieve rich fruity flavor. Everything Blue Tongues! Its one of the largest varieties and can reach 20 inches or more. This is a large species of terrestrial blue tongue measuring upwards of 60 centimetres in length and over 1 kilogram in mass. These animals live in distinct habitats in the wild that cater to their biological needs and lifestyle. The tongue of a bluey reflects UV, and therefore likely looks even more bright and shocking to these animals than it does to us. These burrows can be few and far-between, in which case theyve been spotted sharing the space with other members of the species. We hope this article helps you analyze the signs and know your pet a bit better. In addition, it gets quite large and has a long lifespan. However, if you feel like there could be an injury, its best to separate them and try again with a different mate. Mites or ticks might attach themselves to their skin and damage them from the outside. Blue Tongue Skink Pee (Source: WL Fun Time YouTube) Yes, they do. Its better to buy a humidity control device to monitor the levels. Blueys have been tracked with radio transmitters around gardens in Sydney, Australia. These are stocky, heavy lizards and aren't particularly agile, so ambushing prey works best for them. Although they have short legs, they will appear tall because of their strong posture. It may be possible to keep two females together or a bonded male and female pair. Protein: Lean meat like chicken and rabbit are great, as are many types of bugs: crickets, silkworms, hissing . What initially started as curiosity quickly turned into a deep passion for herpetology, and a connection with the reptile community as a whole. Blue-tongues will get bedding in their water and new fresh water should be provided often. [8] Specimens can live up to 20 years or more. Pet Keen is reader-supported. However, you need to set a routine for it so that you do not have to clean its enclosure every second day. The Northern blue tongue skink is one of the largest available. Blue tongue skinks are largely terrestrial which means they dont spend too much time climbing in the trees. These skinks are not dangerous, and their bite is not . Its usually brown, orange, black, and grey, but can be found in other colors too, including light blue. But the major issues usually arise from their habitat. Another old tale purports that blue-tongued skink bites will reappear exactly one year after the bite occurred, this is also untrue.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-leader-1','ezslot_9',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-leader-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'animals_net-box-1','ezslot_11',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-1-0');report this ad. To solve the humidity issue, you can either keep a bowl of water or occasionally spray some water to maintain humidity but this will not keep the humidity stable. Can You Bring a Dead Blue Tongue Skink to the Vet To Find Out the Cause of Death? There have been reports of specimens making it well past the 20-year mark! As a bare minimum, the enclosure should measure at least 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 10 inches tall. If it does, the first thing is to not panic. However, if your skink is sick, they will prefer to hide from everyone. Blue tongue skinks, also known as blue-tongued skinks, are an Australian genus of reptiles that are members of the skink (Scincidae) family. PetKeen.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Blue tongue skinks are omnivores. Blue tongue skinks have wide alert eyes to notice all the small movements. Blue-tongued skinks, or 'blueys' are some of the largest skinks around. If the urine has landed on your hands and arms, then there is nothing to worry about. 10 Signs That Show That Your Snake is Happy! . We recommend increasing the humidity with more frequent spraying to help the skin come off easier. If the humidity and temperature in the tank are not optimal, then the blue tongue skink can suffer from dysecdysis. You can bring a dead blue tongue skink to the vet to know the reason for their death. The first rumor is that these reptiles are venomous. But when a bluey gets used to associating your hands with lunch, you might find that they become hard to handle. This natural balance is a great example of a limiting factor; an environmental pressure to keep an animal from overpopulating. If mating occurs and you notice the female getting larger in a few weeks, the breeding was successful, and she will give birth to a live baby. The head of the blue tongue skink is large and triangular. This issue mostly arises in wild blue tongue skinks because of their environment. Incorporate a few rocks and logs into the habitat, but dont go overboard! This is the place! Its essential to get one done for the reptiles if you want to adopt more reptiles in the future. We hope you have enjoyed our look into these interesting reptiles and have found the answers you need. The Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink is another large reptile that can exceed 20 inches, but its extremely rare and maybe a hybrid. Blue tongue skink lizards generally do not like to be handled or held in laps and most of the people do not even know how exactly to hold the reptile to make it comfortable. This shows they are aware of a certain danger and go out of their way to mitigate it. Like any other reptile, blue tongue skink care requires you to follow some rather strict guidelines if you want your pet to live a long and happy life. They like scratches on their head or under their chin. Your Blue-tongued skink can eat all available cricket species, calcium worms (Black Soldier Fly larvae) morios, locust, silkworms, dendrobaena (earth worms), varied roach species and snails. What Do Blue Tailed Skinks Eat in the Wild and as Pets? Featured Image Credit: Tiliqua scincoides scincoides (Image Credit: JJ Harrison, Wikimedia Commons CC SA 3.0 Unported). There are separate cremating spaces for animals where you can get the ashes in return too. Remember, crawling floor space is the most important thing. Of course, we cant forget about the blue mouths! As suggested by these common names, a prominent characteristic of the genus is a large blue tongue that can be bared as bluff-warning to potential enemies. Reptile Direct is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. If there is any issue in the body regarding parasites or infection, then the first impact is on the stool. The number of young produced also varies. Most times, blue tongue skink urinate during handling. The first thing to note is that in nature, not everything looks the same to everyone. The lights you use should be enough to decrease humidity. If that does not help improve the situation, then go to see a pet at once. So, youll find that during the months of December or January, blue tongue skinks become less active, eat less, and sleep more. The breathing becomes labored and rapid with crackling sounds. But today, they are bred across the globe. When bluetongue skinks are attacked, they don't curl up or run for cover. For example, desert Sinks will want a dryer, sandier substrate, while those from wetter areas will do better with a mulch. Like any other captive reptile, a blue tongue skinks health is directly affected by the level of care you provide. Are you ready to learn more about blue-tongued skinks? Too many decorations will only make the skink uncomfortable. It's called a urea cap or urea smear. An average blue tongue skink weighs about 10-18 ounces. Breeding your Blue Tongued Skink is as easy as placing the male and female in the terrarium during the spring. When you buy a Blue Tongue skink from us, you automatically receive our 100% live arrival guarantee. They should be fed a wide variety of protein sources, fruits, and vegetables. This condition takes place because your pet has ingested some substrate particles that are blocking the digestive tract. You can see the breathing movement in a lizard while its sleeping. Unlike some lizard species, these skinks are terrestrial, which means that they live on the ground rather than in the trees. All species are found on mainland Australia with the exception of Tiliqua gigas, which occurs in New Guinea and various islands of Indonesia. If they are slithering like snakes, they cannot get up, or their strength has waned, something is wrong. 10 Month Old Female Northern Blue-Tongued Skink GGRF $399 10 Month Old Northern Blue-Tongued Skink GGRF $399 PROVEN Female Northern Blue-Tongued Skink Mike's Exotics $400 Hypo Male Northern Blue-Tongued Skink '16 Bucknercrest $500 Adult Hypo Eastern Blue Tongue Skink- #03 Northern Blue-Tongued Skink ? 600K views 5 years ago Blue-tongue skinks (Tiliqua spp.) The Centralian Blue Tongued Skink is another larger Skink that can reach 17 inches or more and has an almost obese appearance. They typically cost about $200. We know that they recognise relatedness in one another, as they are able to pick mates with the most distant genetic similarities, but how they can tell remains a mystery. All photos used are royalty-free, and credits are included in the Alt tag of each image. They would eat plants, insects, animals, etc., to satisfy their hunger. Blue tongue skinks are a fascinating reptile that has become quite a popular pet in recent years. With other lizard species, you have to choose the perfect decorations and plants. But if you have had a blue tongue skink for a long time, then you know their routine. However, these reptiles can live longer. Humidity will need to stay between 40% and 60%. Wild-caught food is the easiest way to pass parasites to your pet accidentally, and we recommend captive-bred food when possible. Due to its large body size with relatively short legs, the skink is not very agile. They stay hydrated a bit differently than other animals. The Australian Blue Tongued Skink can grow to reach 15 inches. Adults reach lengths between 18 and 24 inches. A hot basking area is required and should be kept between 95 and 100. Their urate (pee) comes along with their poop. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',117,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-large-leaderboard-2-0_1'); .large-leaderboard-2-multi-117{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}Blue-tongued skinks are solitary creatures that spend their days searching for food and basking in the sun. So, its easy to spot any irregularities and signs that you may think are worrisome. They have pretty healthy appetites and arent particularly picky about the things they consume. If a blue tongue has peed or pooped on you, don't panic or throw the skink. They have a reputation for being one of the most personable reptile species around. The best fruits are berries, squash, apple, and papaya. The UVB light replicates the light of the sun which makes them active and indices appetite too. Youll be happy to know that blue tongue skinks arent susceptible to any major illnesses that are specific to the species. If your lizard is urinating or passing stool a lot (more than once a day) then reduce its diet. They belong to the skink family, Scincidae, which means shiny scaled. You can expect to pay between $150 and $2,000 for your Blue Tongued Skink, depending on the breed you choose. Blue tongue skink poop can vary in appearance depending on the individual lizard's diet. These reptiles are relatively large, and are some of the largest species in the skink family. That means that one side of the tank/cage will be hotter than the other. The bowl should be heavy or at least difficult to spill as Tiliqua will tip over any lightweight or unstable water bowls. If it does, the first thing is to not panic. [5] The pygmy blue-tongue is again the exception, being primarily an ambush predator of terrestrial arthropods. Impaction is basically constipation and there are several causes for it. The best type of enclosure for a blue tongue skink is a glass reptile tank with a screened lid. If it died due to natural circumstances, then clean it properly. Always choose a pet that has been bred in captivity rather than captured from the wild. The urine of a BTS does not sting, so all you need to do is to wash your hands thoroughly with a good anti-bacterial soap and then apply a moisturizer to keep your skin in a good shape and to suppress the smell. The average blue tongue skink size is pretty big compared to other popular lizard species in the reptile trade. They drink a fair amount of water, BTS Species Descriptions --from bluetongueskinks.net, Tanimbar Island (Tiliqua scincoides chimaerea), Indonesian (Tiliqua gigas gigas) + Halmahera form. [9], "Blue tongue lizard" redirects here. Avoid onion, avocado, rhubarb, and tomato greens! There is a reduction of weight from the ribs as well. If you need to increase levels, just mist the enclosure once a day. The body colour of blue-tongued skinks doesn't attract attention. Youre not going to see blue tongue skinks drinking very often. Blue-tongued skinks are extremely hardy lizards that will thrive on just about any diet, but a well-balanced diet will result in a more active, healthier blue-tongued skink. However, there are noticeable regional differences. Instead, they stick out their vibrant tongues to scare away predators. Our Handling Advice. Hunter Briggs is an experienced reptile breeder who has been keeping and raising various species over the past seven years. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Juvenile Axanthic Halmahera Blue Tongue Skink $ 399.99 Add to cart Baby White Eyed Crocodile Skink $ 149.99 Add to cart Juvenile Halmahera Blue Tongue Skink $ 199.99 Add to cart Red Sided Skink As such they can be handled (with care) and can make a very attractive addition to a well-planned vivarium. Moreover, you can bury or cremate them. This type of reaction, called a deimatic display,. It may look like your pet is dead but keep a check on their breathing. [6] All are viviparous, with litter sizes ranging from 1-4 in the pygmy blue-tongue and shingleback to 5-24 in the eastern and northern blue-tongues. Its also low maintenance once you have the habitat set up, and it will only require food and heat lamp replacements to live a long life. 2. In fact, we consider blue tongue skink care to be something anyone can manage (no matter how much experience they have). The poop of a blue tongue lizard looks like small, dry pellets. - Get their common name from their bright blue . if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_4',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'animals_net-box-4','ezslot_5',115,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-animals_net-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-115{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}The different species of blue tongue skinks have different ranges. Blue tongue skinks are large and heavy. It can be any of several colors but is most often brown. Hello Im new to blue tongue skinks and am wondering how much pee us too much pee for a baby BTS. Most of the, the lizards suffer from problems of over ingestion, which if not controlled for in time can result in the blue tongue skinks health. A poorly maintained habitat and a lackluster diet will lead to stress, disease, and a shorter lifespan. Expert Tip: Use a solid dish that cant be tipped over. Blotched blue-tongued skinks can grow to a length of 23.5 inches (60 cm). The best vegetables for blue tongue skinks are collard greens, dandelion greens, green beans, arugula, mustard greens, and endive. By now, you probably understand why were such a big fan of this species. When threatened by predators, they will display their tongues as an attempt to scare or intimidate. The Surprising Answer, Do Bearded Dragons Eat Their Shed? This design makes it easy to handle your reptile and gain access to the interior. The skin after shedding is delicate, and if rubbed hard, it could lead to an injury. Some species, the Australian blue-tongued skink in particular, are popular as pets. Blue-Tongued Skink Care Sheet For First-Time Owners - Everything Reptiles The general temperature of the tank should be kept between 70 and 80. It can grow to 15 or 20 inches and is slow-moving. Their first line of defense is to simply remain undetected by hiding or relying on their cryptic body coloration. Its a great way to make use of both defence strategies. Adult blue tongue skinks can live very healthy lives in a tank size of 40 or 50-gallon. We recommend a brand that will provide your pet with important UVB light, which will give your pet the important nutrients it usually gets from the sun. Many animals avoid this one way or another, and the blue-tongued skink is no exception. Rather than climb, these skinks will burrow into the sand and root around in search of prey. The Blotched Blue Tongued Skink is usually a lighter color with darker spots, but the pattern can reverse, causing the body to be dark with light spots. Either way, this box should be big enough for the lizard to get into when theyre feeling a bit overwhelmed. Any of the above-mentioned is a sign of an issue in their stomach. I've had Jeff since January and he has grown quite a bit and has become very comfortable with me. Blue-tongued skinks are solitary creatures that spend their days searching for food and basking in the sun. Not only that, but its one of the few reptile species that actually enjoy being handled! Then, see if they are limp and seem heavier than normal. It is advisable not to startle or provoke them, as they may bite if they feel threatened. A blue tongue skink diet should consist of 50% plant-based, 40% protein-based, and 10% fresh fruit. Ed Malaker is a veteran writer who has contributed to a wide range of blogs that cover tools, pets, guitars, fitness, and computer programming. The table below gives a better idea about the humidity requirements for various types of blue tongue skinks. Another thing to note is that when your pet is brumating, you can always see them breathing even if they are hiding in their tank. According to Laurie Hess, UV light is good for the lizards as it benefits them. Check the humidity levels and open up the top of the tank to let some of that humid air out! So lets see what the signs are in detail: Blue tongue skinks are generally very active and agile. They also use burrows and crevices to escape from potential predators or hazardous weather. The mating ritual can appear violent, and the male can claw and bite the female to help get into position. This is perfectly normal. A slight weight drop is never an issue, but a significant weight drop causes a huge problem. The blue tongue skink species ( Tiliqua scincoides intermedia) is a blue tongued lizard, also commonly referred to as blue tongues in Australia. What To Do if You Find Out Your Blue Tongue Skink Might Be Dying? They both have different humidity requirements for the tanks and if they are not met, then things can take an ugly turn. Tiliqua scincoides intermedia - northern blue-tongued skink (northern Australia) Tiliqua scincoides chimaera - Tanimbar blue-tongued skink (Maluku Province, Indonesia) Description. A water dish will allow your pet to submerge itself for even more relief. Then wash you hands and change your clothes. Dehydration in a reptile is a serious concern because it affects their mouth and their eyes. This stocky reptile becomes fairly large, and is one of the most beloved pet retiles in the world due to their docile nature and unique appearance. [4] They are relatively shy in comparison with other lizards, and also significantly slower due to their shorter legs. Today there are breeding programs to help bring back the population. Identifying a lizard poop outdoors can be quite tricky because they have close resemblance with the poop of bats. Blue-tongued skinks are closely related to the genera Cyclodomorphus and Hemisphaeriodon. When youre keeping one in captivity, your goal should always be to replicate their environment and provide a biologically appropriate diet. Younger lizards may need more frequent feedings every other day. When kept indoors, many reptiles that dont have exposure to UVB rays develop bone diseases. Kept properly, blue-tongued skinks can live for 15 to 20 years, and possibly longer. It will need to remain on the higher side when shedding the skin. Blue tongue skinks sneeze because they need to clear their noses from any particles and dust that gets into nostrils. In normal quantities, substrates are not harmful to the body but substrates like sand in large quantities can form lumps in the tract. Once they get more comfortable in the enclosure, you can start handling them. How To Differentiate Between a Dead, Brumating, and a Sleeping Blue Tongue Skink? Of course, you should always exercise caution before handling reptiles. Gray, J.E. It has a mottled color pattern of white, brown, black, brown, and grey. There are a number of different species, but they mostly utilize the same types of habitats. But its essential to know the signs so that you can prevent that from happening. Have a question? Blue-tongues are omnivorous and should be fed a combination of proteins, vegetables/greens, and fruits. An adult blue-tongued skink requires, at barest, an enclosure that measures 36 inches by 18 inches wide by 10 inches tall, with a full screen top. The ecology of an Australian reptile icon: how do blue-tongued lizards (Tiliqua scincoides) survive in suburbia? These lizards are native to Australia, new Guinea, and Tasmania, where they live in a mixture of scrubland, woodland, and semi-desert areas. Although this happens regularly, sometimes the weight reduces suddenly, which is a matter of grave concern. A slight weight drop is never an issue, but a significant weight drop causes a huge problem. Blue tongue skinks are no different. How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Heat? MBD occurs when your reptile does not get enough calcium in its diet. Kei Island Blue Tongue Skink. That's just the beginning of their craziness, too! The interesting thing, however, is that we dont know exactly how they do it. It can also give you closure around the sudden death of your pet. This can be achieved if the room their tank is placed in is kept between these temperatures. There are 7 species of blue-tongue in Australia. Skinks are extremely active reptiles and love to explore, so bigger is better. As we said, it is easy to mistake a brumating skink for a dead skink but there are a few differences. But should anything irritate or scare them, they hiss and puff themselves up. You can make one yourself out of wood or purchase a premade box thats crafted out of plastic. Some blue tongue skinks dont poop for a day or two but if this is unusual for your pet then you need to get it checked. Respiratory infections and skin issues are common, too. Variety is important. As soon as you take them out, they will understand the business and go for it. High-colored or rarer forms may cost more. This means floor space should be your top priority! This basking area should be on for about 12 hours a day. However, the exact size you can expect is going to depend entirely on the subspecies you choose. There are a lot of skinks in the world. The reproduction styles vary widely between species. They will perform necropsy that will help determine the cause. Because Skink's body absorbs 90% of the liquid, their poop is not runny or liquid. What To Do With an Old Blue Tongue Skink Tank if Youre Getting a New Blue Tongue Skink? Skinks pee a lot! Blue Tongue Skinks make for a great pet because they are low maintenance and friendly. There are eight different species in the genus, with various colors and patterns. Clint looks at the these incredible lizards to help you determine if the. They can be nervous and unpredictable, and do bite. It can also be released at the same time as faeces. In addition to standard lighting, blue tongue skinks will also need UVB lighting. First, you should always keep a tab on their appearance. The healthier you are animal, the more at peace your life will be too. Impaction is serious among reptiles and if it remains untreated then it can become lethal all too sudden. This way, their pet can brumate in peace. The most common variant youll see in the reptile trade is the Northern blue tongue skink. Along with humidity, you should also keep the heat and light in check.