Odd-Chinned Skink (Eugonggylus mentovarius)

Common Name: Odd-Chinned Skink
Scientific Name: Eugongylus mentovarius
Source: WC
Adult Size: Approximately 25–35cm total length
Native Range: New Guinea and surrounding island groups, including parts of northern Australia and the Solomon Islands

Enclosure: A minimum 90×60×60cm Viperia PVC vivarium, furnished with a deep layer of moisture-retaining substrate (such as coconut fibre or topsoil mix), multiple secure hides at both the warm and cool ends, and low-level cork bark or leaf litter to replicate the forest-floor environment this species comes from
Heating: Basking spot of around 30-32°C, with a cooler ambient end of 24–26°C; a gentle night-time drop to 20–22°C is acceptable and reflects natural temperature fluctuations
Humidity: Maintain at 60–75%; achieve this by lightly misting one side of the enclosure each evening and using a deep, moisture-holding substrate — good ventilation is still important to prevent stagnant, damp conditions
UVB: A 6% UVB tube run along most of the vivarium's width, positioned so the animal can bask within 20–30cm of the lamp; although this species occupies shaded forest-floor habitats, low-level UVB exposure supports vitamin D3 synthesis and general health
Diet: Primarily insectivorous (insect-eating) — offer a varied diet of appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and waxworms, dusted with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement two to three times per week; adults can take larger prey items such as locusts; feed juveniles daily and adults every two to three days

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The Odd-Chinned Skink is a secretive and seldom-seen forest-floor dweller from the tropical islands of New Guinea and the surrounding region, making it a genuinely rare and exciting find for the dedicated reptile enthusiast. Its common name refers to the distinctive scaling around its chin and jaw — a subtle but charming quirk that sets it apart from more familiar skink species. In the wild it inhabits humid lowland and hill forests, spending much of its time moving through leaf litter and beneath logs in search of invertebrate prey.

This is a species best suited to a keeper with some prior skink or lizard experience, as its preference for hiding and its sensitivity to humidity levels means it rewards careful, attentive husbandry rather than frequent handling. Those who invest in creating a well-planted, naturalistic setup will be treated to a fascinating and active lizard that, over time, can become more confident and visible within its enclosure.