Nephrurus levis

Terrestrial terrarium (burrowing species)

Minimum dimensions for a single adult or a pair; favour floor area over height. Well-ventilated, closed lid. Burrowing species: provide a deep substrate (8-15 cm) capable of holding tunnels. Avoid housing males together (territoriality). Simple decor: ground-level hides, a few stable stones/bark pieces placed directly on the tank base to prevent any crushing during digging.

Generally dry environment (30-40%), but permanently provide a humid hide (moist moss/paper towel or substrate kept slightly damp at the bottom), essential for a good shed and for hydration. The bottom of the sandy substrate must stay slightly damp at depth so the tunnels hold, while the surface stays dry.

A sand-based substrate is MANDATORY: the species digs extensive burrows. A sand/clay or sand/loam mix holds tunnels better than pure sand. Depth 8-15 cm, slightly moistened at depth. Avoid commercial calcareous/scented sands. Beware the risk of impaction if sand is ingested during meals (see diet).

Not strictly necessary (nocturnal species). A low-intensity UVB (index 2 to 5%, dimmed T5 type) is nonetheless beneficial if provided; in that case provide shaded areas. If no UVB, ensure a rigorous supply of calcium + vitamin D3 by dusting.

A small shallow dish of clean water available at all times. A light nighttime misting on an area of the decor or on the humid hide aids hydration and shedding; do not soak the surface of the substrate.

Australia: arid and semi-arid regions of the centre and west of the continent. The export of wildlife from Australia is strictly prohibited: all specimens available in the international trade come from captive breeding (no legal wild collection). Species not listed on CITES, but check local keeping regulations.

Insectivore — Crickets, roaches (Blaptica dubia), occasionally darkling beetles/mealworms and other appropriately sized insects

Prey smaller than the inter-orbital space. Dusting with calcium (+ D3) at most meals and a multivitamin supplement once a week; adjust according to UVB exposure. Feed with tongs or in a shallow dish to limit sand ingestion and the risk of impaction. Gut-load insects before feeding. Adult: 2-3 meals per week; juvenile: daily. Beware of obesity from overfeeding.

Clutch 1–2 eggs/young. Usually 2 eggs per clutch (sometimes 1), with several clutches possible per season. Breeding is generally triggered by a winter cooling/rest period (drop in temperatures and photoperiod) followed by a warming. Incubation of about 55 to 70 days at around 27-29°C depending on temperature; sex may be influenced by incubation temperature. Soft-shelled eggs, to be incubated in a humid substrate.

• Dysecdysis (difficult shed) linked to too-low humidity or the absence of a humid hide
• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) from calcium / vitamin D3 deficiency
• Intestinal obstruction (impaction) from ingesting sand during meals
• Dehydration (insufficient access to water, environment too dry with no humid zone)
• Respiratory infections in case of unsuitable temperatures or stagnant humidity