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Latin name : Corucia zebrata
Native to : Solomon Islands, South Pacific
Maximum length : 32" 28 ounces
Approximate life span : 10-13 years
GENERAL INFORMATION
Solomon Island Skinks are the largest known species of skink. Their
most notable feature is the large prehensile tail which can be used for
grasping branches while climbing through the trees. Also odd for a
skink are the strong limbs and well developed claws necessary for
climbing. They can be very territorial, so provide plenty of hiding
spots in the way of cork bark rounds or hiding boxes. Due to possible
aggressive behavior they should be housed separately or in small groups
of 1 male with 2 females. Sexing of these animals is difficult, males
will tend to have wider heads than females. Females will give live
birth to one or sometime two 6-8" baby skinks. The babies are exact
duplicates of the adults and are ready to go and fend for themselves..
Unfortunately Solomon Skinks are a native food to indigenous people of
the South Pacific Region. The meat of the skink has a sweet flavor,
probably from the skink's appetite for sweet fruit.
ENCLOSURE
A large, tall terrarium with a screen top,
or preferably side ventilation. Provide lots of thick climbing branches
for these arboreal lizards. Minimum dimensions for up to a trio of
skinks should be 48"L X 24"D X 48"H.
SUBSTRATE
Solomon Island Skinks are almost entirely
arboreal, only rarely spending time on the ground, so type of substrate
is not critical. Zoo Med REPTI CAGE CARPET™, news paper, and Zoo Med
REPTI BARK™ will all work well as substrates. You may want to provide a
large dish of damp sphagnum moss because occasionally they will venture
down and soak in the moss.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
Daytime temperatures should
fall between 80 - 90-°f. Nighttime temperatures of 65°f are best.
Humidity 70 - 80%. The enclosure may be lightly misted once or twice
daily to aid shedding with de-chlorinated water.
HEATING
Use a Zoo Med CERAMIC HEATER EMITER™ to heat
the air and use in conduction with a Zoo Med RHEOSTAT™ for heat
control. Always use a thermometer and humidity gauge in all reptile
& amphibian enclosures.
LIGHTING
During daylight hours use a Zoo Med REPTISUN™
UVB FLORESCENT bulb, and for an occasional basking sight, a Zoo Med
REPTI™ BASKING SPOT may be used. A plug in timer (For your lights only.
Do not use a timer for your heating devices.) works well to develop a
regular photo period of 12 hours light, 12 hours dark.. Use a red bulb
for nighttime viewing of these nocturnal skinks, and to keep nighttime
temperatures up.
FOOD & WATER
Solomon Island Skinks are the only
known completely herbivorous skink, (eating only fruits and
vegetables). Don't forget these are nocturnal lizards, so feed them in
the early evening so that their food will be fresh when they begin
foraging. Feed every 1 - 2 days. The diet should consist of a variety
of fresh fruits, SEPERATE SENTENCE ABOUT POTHOS Pothos plant leaves are
a very important food source (these leaves are poisonous to humans if
eaten so always handle with caution, and vegetables. Some suggestions
are red & green leaf lettuce, spinach, kale, banana, kiwi, melons,
grapes and berries. Also offer Zoo Med ZOO MENU® BOX TURTLE FOOD twice
a week in a separate shallow dish. 1 - 2 times per week lightly dust
food with a vitamin supplement such as Zoo Med REPTIVITE™. Provide a
large water bowl that the skinks can climb into and soak in on warm
days, or to help with shedding. Change water daily with de-chlorinated
water.
NOTES
Always wash your hands before and immediately after handling reptiles
and amphibians. Never leave live food long term with reptiles &
amphibians. They can inflict severe harm, even kill your pet. If your
animals take some time to eat or you feed them at night, leave a slice
of potato, carrot or dry dog food for the live food items to eat. Your
local pet shop is an ideal source for reptile and amphibian related
books and supplies. Please make sure you read and become familiar with
any instructions provided with reptile support products you may
purchase.
For further information on reptiles and amphibians we
recommend you read REPTILES MAGAZINE and THE VIVARIUM. California
Zoological Supply hopes you have enjoyed reading this reference sheet
on Solomon Island Skinks. We hope that our guidelines will assist you
with the care or possible purchase of your new pet.
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Reptiles 
