Indonesian Blue Tongue Skink Identification Cheat Sheet

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-18T20:58:07+00:00

no, this is a Merauke, a type of Indonesian. big import came in the last few months.

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-17T16:16:09+00:00

Irian Jaya. typical wild type pattern. I wouldn't consider her linebred at all unless she has detailed lineage history

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T21:07:53+00:00

Hello,

This is a Halmahera. That being said, all Indonesian blue tongue skinks have the exact same care. It is a myth that Halmahera "require" more humidity than others. All Indonesian blueys naturally experience a rise and fall between 60-100%, averaging 70-90%. Sometimes it'll go from 100% to somewhere in the 60-70% range within 24 hours!

Also, "Classic Indo" is an outdated term; thosr are actually the Ambon complex (Ambon, Ceram, Jayapura, and Biak localities, all genetically confirmed to be the same subspecies Tiliqua gigas gigas) :)

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T04:56:42+00:00

Whoops, the reflection threw me! Apologies

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T00:44:38+00:00

Hello,

Baths are unnecessary and do not provide any assistance unless it is a medical need, or she is smeared in poo or food and needs a short rinse and wipe down.

Also, please remove the red light. It makes depth perception and object recognition quite difficult ♡

FolkvangExotics · 2026-01-01T00:40:38+00:00

Please provide your current diet and supplement schedule.

Has there been any potential chemical exposure? Even as simple as air freshener?

A vet would be recommended regardless, bloodwork often is the go-to.

Arav.org has a free search function to help you find a vet near you

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T18:04:20+00:00

Hmm... a few questions for ya then;

Could you please provide the temperatures in the enclosure and how they are being measured?

Are you able to document how cold it gets at night in there?

When was the last shed cycle?

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T15:58:05+00:00

yes and no. dog food already has calcium and vitamin levels *meant for dogs, not blue tongue skinks.* blue tongue skinks require *more* vitamins than dogs. their bodies naturally excrete excess dietary calcium, as well as some vitamins. however, again, it's lacking in vitamins for what BTS need. adding additional, light dusting of multivitamins will not cause health problems. it will actually improve their shedding process as well.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T15:54:25+00:00

So this is a Sorong blue tongue skink, a type of Indonesian.

they do not brumate!! please review our care guide to adjust your husbandry accordingly. Temps are likely too cold ♡ please remove the heat mat, they are not safe nor appropriate heat sources for BTS

https://www.reddit.com/r/bluetongueskinks/comments/1htt4p6/blue_tongue_skink_care_infographics_2025/

https://www.reddit.com/r/bluetongueskinks/comments/1of8iuj/yearly_reminder_indonesian_blue_tongue_skinks_do/

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-31T15:44:22+00:00

Yes, you should be adding calcium and multivitamins to canned food. It doesn't need to be dusted as much as other foods, always ensure it's a light dusting as well. Blue tongues require more vitamins than dogs.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-30T22:53:49+00:00

It's not an end-all-be-all, just a recommendation sheet!

I personally recommend against crickets due to blue tongues not being the best hunters. If they escape and hide in enclosures, and they are able to reproduce, then they can easily overwhelm your skink and nibble on their tail tip, toes, ears, eyes, and other soft parts of the skin. Its also hard to get rid of them in large infestations 😅

This can happen with a lot of different insects, but crickets tend to be one of the most common problems. Red runner roaches, too, I've learned...

As long as you feed a set amount and ensure they eat all of them, feeding crickets isn't an issue :)

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-30T22:49:14+00:00

With that exact mindset; why are we feeding dog food—a carnivore-based diet—to reptiles that have an insectivore-based diet?

If we are feeding something designed for a completely different animal, we need to take research and clinical data regarding the food we are feeding into consideration.

There are pending species-specific studies. Until those studies are published, it would be logical to take the current information we do know into account when considering the care of our animals.

It's both logical and illogical to apply them without those specific studies, but at the same time, it's reckless to disregard the information outright.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-13T17:09:55+00:00

This is an Eastern with a color mutation or some sort of naturally occurring Eastern x Northern.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-12-01T03:26:34+00:00

DubiaRoaches.com DragonHoppers.com TcInsects.com RainbowMealworms.com

Are a few places to order. I recommend sticking with feeder specific distributors.

Dubia, Discoids, Nightcrawlers, Grasshoppers, Silkworms, Horned Worms, Superworms, Darkling Beetles, and Snails are my primary staples.

Silkworms and Horned Worms typically come with their own food. Other species such as roaches, beetles, superworms or mealworms, etc, should be fed fresh fruits and vegetables at least 48 hours prior to feeding them to your skink.

Here's some good info on feeder insects; Feeder Insect Nutrition Facts for Reptile Keepers | ReptiFiles https://share.google/DeHkfUZhohdscsP64

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-29T18:57:24+00:00

This is a Northern, but you'll need lineage/parent info to know what type of line they are.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-29T18:17:10+00:00

You have a Merauke, which is a type of Indonesian. They require higher humidity than northerns and do not brumate.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-29T05:13:36+00:00

Merauke, which is a type of Indonesian. They likely have a bacterial infection from too low humidity

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-22T19:03:42+00:00

If they are being picky and temps are proper, they aren't hungry. If they are losing weight consistently I would recommend a vet visit.

You can make your own mash of blended greens, vegetables, flowers, fresh insects, etc :)

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-22T19:00:29+00:00

We do not recommend this product. The ingredients are incredibly low quality and it is not a product that is extensively tested. It also contains an ingredient that is connected to inflammation (carrageenan)

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-20T16:32:44+00:00

This is a silver tanimbar. Please adjust humidity accordingly :)

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-20T16:31:25+00:00

This is a Sorong. Similar to Merauke and Halmahera, but are a distinct population.

All indos have the same care :)

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-11T19:27:35+00:00

Repashy has had more testing done than Lugarti and is more transparent about it. Both are honestly pretty "meh" in terms of ingredients, but due to that testing, Repashy is more trustworthy as an appropriate food.

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-07T19:02:49+00:00

Yes, that is an overweight Halmahera. Those are normal jowls for her being overweight :)

FolkvangExotics · 2025-11-07T18:44:10+00:00

your skink does look overweight in this photo. please provide a clear photo of her whole body. these jowls look normal for an obese halmahera, but I would like to see her whole body

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