The Pygmy Spiny Tailed Skink is one of Australia's most fascinating desert dwellers. Found only in southern and western Australia, these skinks have adapted beautifully to some of the harshest environments on the continent.

What really sets these guys apart is their social behavior. Unlike many reptile species, Pygmy Spiny Tailed Skinks actually live in small family groups in the wild, making them entertaining to observe in captivity. They're intelligent and interactive, often recognizing their keepers.

Reaching about 16 centimeters in length, these skinks have an amazing defense mechanism. When threatened, they inflate their bodies to wedge themselves into rock crevices, using their spine covered tails to block the entrance. Their dorsal scales are armed with three keels each, giving them that distinctive spiny appearance, while their bellies remain smooth.

As omnivores, these skinks enjoy a varied diet of insects, flowers, fruits, shoots, and leaves. In nature, they make their homes in rock crevices and tree hollows.

If you're looking for a unique, interactive skink species with fascinating behaviors and manageable care requirements, the Pygmy Spiny Tailed Skink is a great choice for any collection.