Species: Mourning Gecko, Lepidodactylus lugubris
Country: Hawaii, Central and South America, South Pacific Islands
Biome: Arboreal, Tropical
Activity: Nocturnal
Maximum Size: 3.5-4 inches
Lifespan: 5-10 Years
Food: Omnivores - They should be fed a wide variety of insects such as crickets, locusts and fruit flies. They size of these will increase with age, but a rough guide is the insect should only be smaller than the gap between the animal’s eyes. They should also be provided fruity foods such as Repashy Crested Gecko diet to eat.
All food should have a light dusting of calcium powder, with one day off. Once a month a multivitamin should also be provided. Gut loading feeders is also important, feed them a variety of veg such as kale, cabbage, carrots and more.
Basking Temperature: 30◦C This should be read directly under the basking light. The surface temperature will be much warmer than this, which is quite normal. The lizard will move on and off as he needs.
Temperature Range: 18-30◦C The vivarium should have a hot side and a cool side. The hot side, in the day, will usually read 28◦C with the basking spot reading much higher. The cool side, in the day, will usually read around 25◦C. At night, the basking light should be switched off and a drop in temperature achieved.
Humidity Range: 65-85% The gecko must be sprayed daily.to keep the humidity up. Geckos will only drink from droplets when sprayed.
UVB Requirements: A 6% T5 Tube, also sold as a Ferguson zone 1, this should be on for 12 hours a day and run alongside the basking bulb. A dark area should be provided on the cool end of the vivarium.
Substrate: To uphold humidity a soil-based substrate should be used; coir and orchid bark can be used to help.
Care Level: Beginner
Essential Equipment:
• Minimum 30x30x45cm (Exo Terra Terrarium Mini Tall)
• UVB Fitting (Exo Terra Canopy Mini)
• Basking Bulb (Exo Terra, Reptile Systems) with a Lamp Holder (Reptile Systems Clamp Lamp, Exo Terra Dome)
• Temperature Dimming Stat (Microclimate)
• Thermometer (Exo Terra)
• Hygrometer (Exo Terra)
• Décor – rocks, foliage and branches, allows the animal to climb
• Spray Bottle (Prorep)
• Substrate (Prorep Crestie Life, Bio Life Forest, Orchid Bark, Coir)
• Calcium (Exo Terra 40g)
• MultiVitamin (Exo Terra 40g)