{"product_id":"ocellated-skink-chalcides-ocellatus","title":"Ocellated Skink (Chalcides ocellatus)","description":"\u003ch2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"24\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3\" data-end=\"22\"\u003eOcellated Skink\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"115\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"26\" data-end=\"46\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chalcides ocellatus\u003cbr data-start=\"66\" data-end=\"69\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"69\" data-end=\"85\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ocellated Skink, Eyed Skink\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"117\" data-end=\"120\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"122\" data-end=\"148\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"146\"\u003eSpecies Overview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"149\" data-end=\"287\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"149\" data-end=\"158\"\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adults typically reach 8 to 12 inches (20 to 30 cm) in total length, with a smooth, streamlined body and relatively short limbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"751\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"289\" data-end=\"304\"\u003eAppearance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Ocellated Skink is named for its distinctive “eye spots” or ocelli—small dark-edged markings scattered along the flanks and back. Their coloration ranges from tan and sandy brown to olive or grey, often with subtle iridescence. The body is elongated and sleek, allowing them to move quickly through loose soil and vegetation. Their head is narrow, and the limbs, while short, are strong enough for digging and scrambling through ground cover.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"880\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"753\" data-end=\"770\"\u003eDistribution:\u003c\/strong\u003e Found across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of southern Europe, including Italy, Greece, and Malta.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"1133\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"882\" data-end=\"894\"\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e This species inhabits dry grasslands, coastal scrub, rocky plains, agricultural margins, and sandy or loose-soil environments. They prefer warm, open habitats with scattered vegetation and ample hiding places under rocks, logs, or debris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1462\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1135\" data-end=\"1149\"\u003eBehaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ocellated Skinks are diurnal, ground-dwelling, and fast-moving. They are alert and quick to retreat when disturbed, often diving into loose substrate. Their diet consists of insects, small invertebrates, and occasional plant matter. They are generally shy but may become bolder with consistent, gentle husbandry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"1464\" data-end=\"1467\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"1469\" data-end=\"1491\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1489\"\u003eCaptive Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1885\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1492\" data-end=\"1506\"\u003eEnclosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide a terrestrial enclosure at least \u003cstrong data-start=\"1548\" data-end=\"1589\"\u003e36 × 18 × 18 inches (90 × 45 × 45 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e for a small group or an adult. This footprint supports their active, ground-based behaviour. Use deep, diggable substrate and provide numerous hides, rock piles, cork flats, and low branches. A larger \u003cstrong data-start=\"1791\" data-end=\"1828\"\u003e4 × 2 × 2 feet (120 × 60 × 60 cm)\u003c\/strong\u003e enclosure can be used when keeping multiple individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"2204\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1887\" data-end=\"1916\"\u003eTemperature and Humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1916\" data-end=\"1919\"\u003eBasking area: 95 to 105°F (35 to 41°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"1957\" data-end=\"1960\"\u003eAmbient daytime temperature: 78 to 85°F (26 to 29°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2012\" data-end=\"2015\"\u003eCool side: 72 to 75°F (22 to 24°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2049\" data-end=\"2052\"\u003eNight temperatures: 65 to 72°F (18 to 22°C)\u003cbr data-start=\"2095\" data-end=\"2098\"\u003eHumidity should remain low to moderate, around 30 to 50 percent, with a humid hide available for shedding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2206\" data-end=\"2219\"\u003eLighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provide full-spectrum lighting with moderate UVB (5 to 10 percent). Bright lighting encourages natural foraging and basking behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2615\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2356\" data-end=\"2365\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed a varied insectivorous diet including crickets, roaches, mealworms, black soldier fly larvae, small snails, and silkworms. Offer chopped vegetables, flowers, or soft fruits sparingly. Supplement with calcium frequently and multivitamins weekly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2617\" data-end=\"2946\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2617\" data-end=\"2644\"\u003eBehaviour in Captivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ocellated Skinks are lively, alert reptiles that thrive in naturalistic setups. They enjoy digging, foraging, and exploring ground-level structure. Handling should be minimal—they are fast, slippery, and prone to stress when restrained. With proper care, they display active and inquisitive behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"3300\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2948\" data-end=\"2975\"\u003eSpecial Considerations:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2975\" data-end=\"2978\"\u003e• Provide deep, loose substrate such as soil–sand blends to support digging.\u003cbr data-start=\"3054\" data-end=\"3057\"\u003e• Ensure numerous low hides—they rely heavily on ground cover for security.\u003cbr data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3135\"\u003e• These skinks are agile and can escape small openings—ensure tight-fitting lids.\u003cbr data-start=\"3216\" data-end=\"3219\"\u003e• Best kept as display animals due to their speed and low tolerance for handling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3302\" data-end=\"3305\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3307\" data-end=\"3330\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3311\" data-end=\"3328\"\u003eTaxonomy Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3331\" data-end=\"3595\"\u003eThe Ocellated Skink belongs to the genus \u003cstrong data-start=\"3372\" data-end=\"3385\"\u003eChalcides\u003c\/strong\u003e, a diverse group of smooth, often limb-reduced skinks adapted to sandy and rocky Mediterranean and North African habitats. \u003cem data-start=\"3509\" data-end=\"3530\"\u003eChalcides ocellatus\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the most widespread and variable members of the group.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-start=\"3597\" data-end=\"3600\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-start=\"3602\" data-end=\"3625\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3606\" data-end=\"3623\"\u003eGenetics Note\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3911\"\u003eNo formally recognized morphs exist for this species. Natural variation includes differences in ocelli number and clarity, base colour shade, and pattern intensity across geographic populations. These differences reflect locality-based genetic diversity rather than selective breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tails and Scales","offers":[{"title":"Subadult","offer_id":56196220223810,"sku":"qsx1789650641116","price":23.31,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Juvenile","offer_id":56196220256578,"sku":"evi1789650641117","price":19.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1010\/8380\/8066\/files\/ocellated-skink-chalcides-ocellatus_1.png?v=1789650646","url":"https:\/\/abrasionresistclad.shop\/products\/ocellated-skink-chalcides-ocellatus","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}