This species was originally classified as a color and locality variation of Egernia depressa, but with recent taxonomic revisions within the depressa group, significant differences were described for the western pygmy spiny-tailed skink to justify its separation as a full species, Egernia cygnitos. This revision also included the separation of three other "depressa" group members. The western pygmy spiny-tailed skink is from the Pilbara desert and inhabits the same range as other notable species like the pygmy python (Antaresia perthensis) as well the Pilbara rock monitor (Varanus pilbarensis). In nature this species inhabits rocky outcroppings and rock piles where it lives in family groups comprised of a few adults and young of various sizes. This species is covered in rigid spiny scales, which are used to securely wedge themselves into rock crevices to avoid predators. This species is also viviparous giving birth to live young. Egernia cygnitos has very limited availability in herpetoculture, due to their low reproductive rate, making them the most sought after member of the "depressa" complex. We are incredibly lucky to be able to work with such an amazing species and hope to be able to find some baby E. cygnitos running around the enclosure in the near future.

Male is the smaller of the two	Female is nice and hefty	Face to face, what a nice pair!
Pair: Upper is male, lower female	Pair: Male on left, female on right	Some nice weaponry on their tails