By Mourning Geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are fascinating reptiles that make for excellent pets due to their unique characteristics and easy-going nature. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Mourning Gecko care, including their diet, habitat, tank setup, and much more. With the right knowledge and resources at your disposal, you can provide your Mourning Gecko with a happy and healthy life.
Table of Contents
Species Overview
The Mourning Gecko is a captivating reptile species primarily known for its unique reproductive process. These lizards are parthenogenetic, meaning that females can reproduce asexually without males, resulting in tiny clones. While males do exist within the species, they are rare and typically infertile.
Mourning Geckos are prevalent in coastal areas surrounding the Pacific and Indian Oceans, spanning from the Maldives to the Galapagos Islands. They are also a favorite among the herpetology community due to their peaceful demeanor, rapid reproduction, and low-maintenance care requirements.
Appearance and Colors
Mourning Geckos possess cryptic coloration that helps them blend into their surroundings. Their bodies are typically dark to light tan, with dark brown or black markings adorning their backs. Interestingly, these lizards can modify their color to better adapt to their environment, appearing lighter or darker at different times of the day.
In addition to their coloration, Mourning Geckos exhibit classic gecko features, such as a triangular head, a prominent tail, and sticky pads on their feet.
Average Size
Mourning Geckos are relatively small reptiles, usually measuring between three and four inches when fully grown. Hatchlings emerge at just 1.5 inches long, making these lizards an excellent choice for those with limited space for housing a reptile pet.
Lifespan
With proper care, Mourning Geckos can live for an average of ten years, though some individuals may live up to 15 years. Their lifespan is influenced by various factors, with the quality of care provided being the most significant. By ensuring a pristine habitat, a nutrient-rich diet, and good general husbandry practices, you can help your Mourning Gecko avoid disease and premature death.
Mourning Gecko Care
Compared to other reptile species, Mourning Gecko care is relatively simple. These adaptable lizards are forgiving and do not require precise environmental conditions to thrive. However, they do have specific needs and challenges that you must address to ensure their well-being. In the following sections, we will outline the key care guidelines for Mourning Geckos.
Enclosure Size
The first step in Mourning Gecko care is creating a suitable enclosure. Due to their small size, these reptiles can comfortably live in a compact five-gallon terrarium. However, most herpetology enthusiasts recommend a moderately sized enclosure to accommodate social groups of five or six Mourning Geckos.
For a group of this size, you will need an enclosure that measures at least 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 18 inches tall. A standard aquarium tank can suffice, but many enthusiasts prefer terrariums with front-facing doors and adjustable ventilation slots for easy access and maintenance.
Expert Tip: Ensure that the enclosure is secure with a tight-fitting lid or door, as Mourning Geckos are notorious escape artists.
Habitat Setup
Creating a habitat that closely resembles their natural environment is crucial for Mourning Gecko care. A lush environment with plenty of climbing surfaces will provide the enrichment they need to stay happy and healthy.
Begin by layering the enclosure with an absorbent substrate, such as coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or reptile-safe soil. If you plan to use live plants, soil is the ideal choice.
Next, add a variety of live or artificial plants to the enclosure, providing coverage and climbing opportunities for your gecko. Incorporate leafy bushes, climbing vines, and canopy-style shade plants for variety and visual appeal.
Finally, install several cork branches and climbing platforms to create a network of multiple climbing paths for your Mourning Gecko.
Temperature and Lighting
Mourning Geckos thrive in daytime temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures falling no lower than 65 degrees. If temperatures consistently dip below 65 degrees at night, invest in a heat emitter to keep your gecko comfortable.
Creating a temperature gradient within the enclosure is important, as Mourning Geckos thermoregulate by moving to different areas. A basking lamp can be used to raise the temperature to around 85 degrees in a tall climbing spot, allowing your gecko to find the perfect body temperature. Use a thermometer to ensure a stable and consistent temperature gradient.
Expert Tip: There is some debate regarding the necessity of UV light for Mourning Geckos. As they are cathemeral and not strictly nocturnal, many keepers choose to install a UV light on a timer as a precautionary measure.
Humidity
Maintaining a high level of humidity is essential for Mourning Gecko care. These reptiles require a minimum of 50% humidity at all times to avoid complications, with a target range of 60 to 70% being ideal.
Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels, and mist the enclosure daily or use an automatic mister to maintain appropriate levels.
Water
Mourning Geckos rarely drink from standing water, instead hydrating by lapping up droplets from plant leaves. However, providing a small water dish is still important, as your gecko may use it to cool off or soak.
Choose a shallow dish large enough for your gecko to crawl inside and monitor the water supply, replenishing it as needed. Mourning Geckos may defecate in the water dish, so clean it regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Diet
Mourning Geckos are omnivores, consuming a diverse array of foods in the wild. A healthy mix of insects and commercial gecko food is recommended for a balanced diet. Protein sources can include pinhead crickets, fruit flies, Calci-worms, and tiny roaches. Ensure that insects are gut-loaded to prevent disease transmission.
Supplement their diet with calcium and vitamin D3 powders a few times a week. For plant-based foods, commercial nectar-based products or mashed fruit are suitable options.
Expert Tip: Mourning Geckos should eat most days of the week, with plant-based foods offered twice a week and protein-based foods provided three times a week. Allow for two fasting days to promote healthy digestion.
Potential Health Issues
Mourning Geckos can suffer from various health issues common to pet reptiles, including respiratory infections, bacterial infections, and skeletal problems.
Respiratory infections typically result from poor environmental conditions, such as improper temperature and humidity levels. These infections can cause inflammation of mouth and throat tissue, leading to discharge and pain.
Bacterial infections can be prevented by regularly cleaning the enclosure and sanitizing all items with a reptile-safe cleaner. Spot clean messes as they occur and perform a deep clean every four weeks.
Skeletal issues, such as metabolic bone disease, can arise from a lack of calcium in your gecko’s diet. Supplement their diet with calcium to maintain strong and healthy bones.
Behavior and Temperament
Mourning Geckos are generally peaceful reptiles that thrive in large social groups. They can be housed with other reptile species, such as poison dart frogs, without issue. While they can be kept individually, solitary geckos tend to be shy and more inclined to hide.
To fully appreciate the Mourning Gecko’s personality, it is best to house them in small communities. When kept with others, they become more vocal and playful, often making squeaking and creaking sounds as they communicate.
As cathemeral reptiles, Mourning Geckos have irregular activity patterns throughout the day but are generally more active at night.
Expert Tip: Since most Mourning Geckos are female, territorial behaviors are less common. Occasional aggression and infighting may occur but rarely result in serious injury.
Reproduction and Egg-Laying
Mourning Geckos reach sexual maturity at around eight months of age. At this point, they will begin to lay approximately two eggs every four to six weeks. With no males involved in the reproductive process, juvenile geckos can emerge from the eggs in as little as two months.
Handling and Interaction
While Mourning Geckos may appear to be the perfect size for handling, they generally do not tolerate extensive physical interaction. They are quick and cunning creatures that will seize any opportunity to escape. Due to their small size and agility, it is easy to lose grip on them as they attempt to leap from your hand.
It is best to minimize handling as much as possible and enjoy observing your Mourning Gecko from a distance.
Conclusion
With a proper understanding of their basic care requirements, Mourning Geckos make for relatively low-maintenance and fascinating pets. Their unique characteristics and captivating personalities make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can ensure that your Mourning Gecko enjoys a long, happy, and healthy life.