Description: A small, snake-like species of legless skink that is also known as Percival's legless skink, Percival's lance skink, and Tanzanian legless lizard. It has a large range in Africa that includes areas of South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Kenya. It lives in savanna habitats and burrows underground. 3 subspecies are known from this vast area. They are a darker reddish-brown on top with a lighter copper-brown or goldish below. Although wild caught Percival's legless skinks are available fairly regularly in the pet trade, not much information is given when they are purchased. They remain underground most of the day and can be kept in groups, as long as they are not overcrowded.

Temperature: 76 to 84°F daytime with a hot spot around 95°F. A 5 to 10°F drop at night is good.

Humidity: Fairly low, about 30% or so.

Lighting: No special lighting is needed. They seem to avoid bright light so a red bulb may be good for providing a hot spot.

Feeding: These insectivores specialize in feeding on slow-moving invertebrates and have great difficulty chasing down insects that move quickly. They can eat small mealworms, wax worms and earthworms but should be given more of a variety. Crickets and other insects can be hand fed to them. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young-ones. A bowl of clean water should be available at all times.

Habitat: A 10-gallon tank will suffice for 1 or 2 but a 15-gallon would be better. More floor space is needed instead of height. Set it up as a savanna style habitat with an 8" deep substrate of potting soil mixed with sand. Reptile bark will also work as long as it is deep enough for them to burrow into. Caves and other hiding places should be provided but be careful to place heavy objects in a way that will prevent tunneling cave-in accidents.

Sexing: Adult males have a slightly larger head than females.

Breeding: These are ovoviviparous (live bearing) and can give birth to as many as 5 young at a time. Keep them at a higher humidity at first and ensure that they remain hydrated while they are small. There are unsubstantiated reports that the parents may care for their young.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna