{"product_id":"fire-skink-lepidothyris-fernandi","title":"Fire Skink (Lepidothyris fernandi)","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"224\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"186\" data-end=\"224\"\u003eFire Skink (Lepidothyris fernandi)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"317\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"226\" data-end=\"246\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem data-start=\"247\" data-end=\"270\"\u003eLepidothyris fernandi\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"270\" data-end=\"273\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"273\" data-end=\"289\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fire Skink, Fernand's Skink\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"319\" data-end=\"322\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"324\" data-end=\"344\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"468\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"346\" data-end=\"355\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach \u003cstrong data-start=\"379\" data-end=\"406\"\u003e12–15 inches (30–38 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e in total length, with a stout body and smooth, glossy scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"921\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"470\" data-end=\"485\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fire Skinks are among the most colourful African skinks, displaying vivid red, orange, and yellow lateral stripes bordered by deep black and white spotting. Their backs are typically bronze or golden, with a metallic sheen that becomes more apparent under bright lighting. The head is angular yet sleek, with expressive eyes and a gradual taper to the muzzle. Their limbs are strong and well developed, and the tail is long and smooth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"1036\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"923\" data-end=\"940\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Native to West and Central Africa, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and surrounding regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1252\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1038\" data-end=\"1050\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fire Skinks inhabit tropical forest floors, moist woodland regions, and areas with dense leaf litter. They are secretive and spend much of their time burrowing or hiding under logs, debris, or foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1553\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1268\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species is diurnal but spends a significant portion of the day undercover or within substrate. They are fast, alert, and often shy. Their diet consists of insects, worms, and small invertebrates. Fire Skinks rarely climb and prefer ground-level environments with plenty of cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1558\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1560\" data-end=\"1576\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1907\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1578\" data-end=\"1592\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a terrestrial enclosure at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"1634\" data-end=\"1689\"\u003e36 inches × 18 inches × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e for an adult. Use a deep substrate such as soil–sand mix or coco fibre, kept dry on top but able to retain mild moisture in deeper layers. Include logs, cork bark, leaf litter, moss pockets, and multiple hiding areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"2189\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1909\" data-end=\"1938\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1938\" data-end=\"1941\"\u003eBasking area: 95–100°F (35–38°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"1976\"\u003eAmbient temperature: 80–85°F (27–29°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2014\" data-end=\"2017\"\u003eNight temperatures: 70–75°F (21–24°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2054\" data-end=\"2057\"\u003eMaintain humidity around \u003cstrong data-start=\"2082\" data-end=\"2092\"\u003e60–80%\u003c\/strong\u003e, with occasional misting to support shedding and hydration while allowing surface drying cycles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2342\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2191\" data-end=\"2204\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide full-spectrum lighting with moderate UVB (5–10%). Bright lighting enhances their natural colours and supports calcium metabolism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2630\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2344\" data-end=\"2353\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offer a varied insectivorous diet including crickets, roach nymphs, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, earthworms, waxworms (sparingly), and silkworms. Juveniles should be fed daily; adults every 2–3 days. Supplement feeders with calcium frequently and multivitamins weekly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2924\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2632\" data-end=\"2659\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fire Skinks are shy by nature but become confident display animals when given deep substrate and plenty of hiding opportunities. They may tolerate brief, gentle handling once settled. When comfortable, they show active foraging, basking, and exploratory behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2926\" data-end=\"3201\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2926\" data-end=\"2953\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2953\" data-end=\"2956\"\u003e• Deep, enriched substrate is essential for natural burrowing.\u003cbr data-start=\"3018\" data-end=\"3021\"\u003e• Provide both humid hiding zones and drier surface areas.\u003cbr data-start=\"3079\" data-end=\"3082\"\u003e• Avoid handling too often, as they may stress easily.\u003cbr data-start=\"3136\" data-end=\"3139\"\u003e• Ensure décor is stable to prevent collapse during burrowing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3203\" data-end=\"3206\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3208\" data-end=\"3225\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3227\" data-end=\"3482\"\u003eThe Fire Skink belongs to the family Scincidae, a diverse group of smooth-scaled lizards found worldwide. \u003cem data-start=\"3333\" data-end=\"3356\"\u003eLepidothyris fernandi\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most vibrantly coloured African skinks and is valued in captivity for its striking appearance and hardy nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3484\" data-end=\"3487\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3489\" data-end=\"3506\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3772\"\u003eThere are no recognized morphs for the Fire Skink. Natural variation includes differences in red saturation, black spotting density, and dorsal bronze tone. These variations represent natural individual and locality-based genetic diversity, not selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56196215505218,"sku":"lkr1789650473221","price":50.37,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/fire-skink-lepidothyris-fernandi_1.jpg?v=1789650477","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/fire-skink-lepidothyris-fernandi","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}