These large skinks range in color from a dark green to a near black. Black, yellow, and shades of various greens decors the back, tail, and belly in random molting of spots or as strips. The chin of some species can arouse scales with a deep yellow, dirty white, or dark red hue.

Corucia have large powerful claws and a long prehensile tail which helps them to sustain a rich arboreal life. A tall arboreal cage works best for this species of skink. A minimal height of the cage should be at least 4 feet, with a depth and length of at least 3 feet, to accommodate one skink. These lizards can become quite adventurous and enjoy a large environment they can explore in. Large thick branches make the idea cage furnishing. The branches should be placed vertical, horizontal, and diagonal throughout the cage. A few branches should be at least the size of the thickest part of your reptile or larger under the basking lamp. Make sure they are secured together, otherwise your skink will definitely find away to tear apart the display of branches. Shelves should be installed in custom made cages which can be used as basking spots, holding shelter boxes, and lunch tables for these large skinks.

Newspaper is a preferred choice for substrate, yet bark chips tend to hold more moisture and create a more idea humidity level. Corucia have some incredible fecal messes for a vegetarian, so be prepared to clean the cage at least once a day; even removal of half the substrate can be expected.

A very thick and heavy water dish should also be placed in the pseudo habitat. These large skinks enjoy both drinking heavily of water and then knocking the content of water out from the container. A cement plant holder, around an inch high, has worked best against flood protection caused by these skinks juvenile behavior.

Shelter boxes also seem to be employed by the skinks. It is best to make them arboreal as well by mounting them between branches or secured to a shelf. The shelter should be as large as the body for Corucia to make any use out of them, besides climbing all over them. Corucia zebrata require basking temperatures up to 85° Fahrenheit and no higher then 90°. A 10° drop at night is idea, but I have had them around the low 60°'s for variety. I would not recommended below 60°'s for a long period, as a bacterial infection appears to become intrusive that can cause deep respiratory problems.

Corucia prefers high humidity levels of at least 60%. Daily spraying, water drip systems, and a humidifier works well in an open wood and wire cage. Glass aquariums retain better humidity, because of less circulation and would not require many different tactics as a custom made one. A humidity gauge works well in keeping the person informed of the pseudo humid environment one is trying to create. Corucia are preferred herbivores with small requirements for tissue based prey. Leafy green vegetables, purslane, pothos, and hibiscus seem to be satisfy by these picky skinks. Berries and fruit are taken by some and ignored by others. Experimentation with different vegetables and fruits should be given to your skink to better inform YOU of what he or she will eat. These are very finicky eaters and one diet of Corucia will differ drastically from the other.

Feeding should take place every day with a variety of items offered. Calcium, vitamin D,and vitamin B₁₂)should be added to their diet at least 2-3 times a week on a daily feeding schedule. Protein will also need to be added in the form of a hard boiled egg, wheat grass, grean leafy vegies, lentils, beans, or soy products. Vitamin A would not need to be supplemented, because of the high content of carotenoids the skink will receive from its food. Therefore, if possible, try to use a vitamin supplement that is low in Vitamin A and Carotenoid content.

Recommended Reading

Coborn, J. Prehensile-Tailed Skinks. NJ : T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1996.

Vosjoli, P. d. The General Care and Maintenance of Prehensile-Tailed Skinks - The Herpetological Library Series. CA : Advanced Vivarium Systems, Inc., 1993.