Mourning Gecko Care Sheet
Description
Scientific Name : Lepidodactylus lugubris
Common Name : Mourning Gecko
Origins : Indo-Pacific Islands
Behaviour : Nocturnal
Easy Of Care : Beginner
Life Span : 10 – 15 Years +
About Mourning Geckos
Mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are small, arboreal geckos widely distributed across tropical regions of the Indo-Pacific. They are a highly unique species in the reptile hobby due to their ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning almost all individuals are female and can reproduce without the presence of a male.
Adult mourning geckos typically reach 7–10cm in total length, making them one of the smaller commonly kept gecko species. Despite their size, they are very active, fast-moving, and highly agile, spending much of their time climbing glass, plants, and vertical surfaces within their enclosure.
Their appearance is relatively subtle, usually consisting of shades of brown, tan, and cream with darker patterning that provides excellent camouflage in natural environments. While they do not display the wide variety of morphs seen in some other gecko species, their behaviour and colony dynamics make them especially interesting to observe.
In the wild, mourning geckos inhabit warm, humid environments such as forests, coastal areas, and even urban settings. They are nocturnal, becoming most active during the night, although they may occasionally be seen during the day.
Unlike most geckos, mourning geckos can be kept in small colonies, which is one of their biggest attractions in captivity. However, enclosure size and food availability must be carefully managed to prevent stress or competition within the group.
Mourning geckos thrive in enclosures that replicate their natural habitat, with plenty of vertical climbing space, dense planting, and high humidity levels. Due to their extremely small size, special care must be taken to ensure the enclosure is escape-proof, as they can fit through very small gaps.
Their diet consists mainly of commercial fruit-based gecko diets, supplemented with appropriately sized live insects such as fruit flies and pinhead crickets. Regular feeding and access to fresh food are important due to their high activity levels.
Handling mourning geckos is generally not recommended. Their small size and quick movements make them prone to stress and escape, so they are best kept as a display species rather than a hands-on pet.
Mourning geckos are considered an excellent beginner species due to their hardy nature and relatively simple care requirements. However, their rapid reproduction and need for secure enclosures mean they still require responsible and attentive care.
With proper setup and maintenance, mourning geckos can become a fascinating and rewarding species, especially for keepers interested in observing natural behaviours and colony interactions within a bioactive or planted enclosure.
Set-up / Enclosure
A 30x30x45cm arboreal terrarium works well for a small group.
Ventilation is important as these geckos thrive in warm humid environments.
Young geckos should be monitored carefully as they are extremely small and can escape through tiny gaps.
Decor
Provide plenty of climbing surfaces and hiding places.
Decor can include:
Thin branches
Artificial plants
Bamboo tubes
Cork bark
Dense planting helps them feel secure.
Lighting
Mourning geckos benefit from low level UVB lighting.
A 2.4% UVB bulb works well.
Maintain a natural 12 hour light cycle.
Temperature & Humidity
Ambient temperature should be maintained between 22–26°C.
Night temperatures can drop slightly but should remain above 18°C.
Humidity should remain around 60–80%.
Mist once or twice daily to maintain humidity.
Food & Water
Mourning geckos eat fruit based diets and small insects.
Common foods include:
Commercial gecko diets
Fruit flies
Pinhead crickets
Small roaches
Food should be replaced every 24–48 hours.
Water droplets from misting are usually their main drinking source but a small water dish can also be provided.
Other Gecko Care Sheets
If you are interested in keeping other New Caledonian geckos, you may also find these care guides helpful:
• Sarasinorum Gecko Care Sheet
• Chahoua - Mossy Gecko Care Sheet
Each species has slightly different requirements, but many share similar environmental needs such as moderate temperatures and high humidity.
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