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Description
Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skink (Chalcides sepsoides)
Scientific Name: Chalcides sepsoides
Common Name: Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skink, Sand Skink
Species Overview
Size: Adults typically reach 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in total length, with a slender, serpentine body shape adapted for sand-burrowing.
Appearance: Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skinks have an elongated, smooth, glossy body with reduced limbs that give them an almost snake-like appearance. Their snout is wedge-shaped and pointed, allowing them to “swim” through loose sand. Colouration is usually pale beige, tan, or sandy brown, sometimes with faint striping or subtle lateral markings. Their eyes are small with transparent lower eyelids to protect them from sand. Limbs are tiny but functional, each with reduced toes suited for shifting substrate rather than climbing.
Distribution: Native to North Africa and parts of the Middle East, including Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and surrounding arid regions.
Habitat: This species inhabits sandy deserts, dunes, and loose-soil flats. They spend much of their time beneath the surface, moving through sand to regulate temperature, avoid predators, and hunt for prey.
Behaviour: Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skinks are fossorial, diurnal, and extremely fast swimmers in sand. They rarely bask openly, instead warming themselves just under the surface. Their diet consists of insects, spiders, small invertebrates, and occasionally soft-bodied larvae. When disturbed, they rapidly burrow to escape. Their movements are subtle and deliberate on the surface but exceptionally smooth beneath it.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a terrestrial enclosure at least 24 inches × 12 inches × 12 inches (60 × 30 × 30 cm) for an adult or pair. Deep, loose, fine sand (4–6 inches / 10–15 cm) is essential for burrowing. Include low, stable décor such as flat rocks or cork pieces and a shallow water dish. Avoid heavy items that could collapse underground.
Temperature and Humidity:
Basking area: 95–105°F (35–40°C)
Ambient temperature: 80–90°F (27–32°C)
Night temperatures: 70–75°F (21–24°C)
Humidity should remain very low (10–30%). Slightly higher humidity microzones may exist deeper in the substrate, which is natural and beneficial.
Lighting: Provide full-spectrum lighting with moderate UVB (5–7%). While they spend significant time beneath the surface, access to UVB exposure during surface activity supports proper calcium metabolism.
Diet: Offer small insects such as crickets, roach nymphs, waxworms, black soldier fly larvae, and soft-bodied grubs. Feed juveniles daily and adults every 2–3 days. Dust prey with calcium regularly and multivitamins weekly.
Behaviour in Captivity: Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skinks are shy, fossorial, and rarely display prolonged surface activity. They thrive when left undisturbed and allowed to burrow freely. They are gentle but not suited for handling, as stress can lead them to hide constantly or refuse food.
Special Considerations:
• Deep, loose sand is mandatory for natural behaviour.
• Ensure excellent ventilation and keep humidity low.
• Avoid large décor pieces unless fully supported to prevent collapse.
• Provide visual security, as overcrowding or disturbances can cause stress.
Taxonomy Note
The Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skink belongs to the family Scincidae, a broad group of lizards known for smooth scales and burrowing adaptations. Chalcides sepsoides is one of the most specialized fossorial skinks, with a streamlined body and reduced limbs designed for sand-swimming.
Genetics Note
There are no recognized morphs for the Egyptian Wedge-snouted Skink. Natural variation includes subtle differences in dorsal striping, snout curvature, and shade of sandy colouration, all of which arise from individual and locality-based genetic diversity rather than selective breeding.