Mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are popular reptile pets for a good reason. They’re small, social, and relatively easy to breed. Plus, here’s a fun fact: all mourning geckos are female! They reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, which means they don’t need a male to reproduce.
If you’re thinking about getting mourning geckos or already have some, this guide will give you all the information you need to care for them properly.
Natural history and appearance
Mourning geckos are native to the tropical coastal regions of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but they’ve been introduced to other warm, humid locations, such as Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
These geckos are small, with adults reaching just over 3 or 4 inches in length. They’re usually light brown or tan, with darker markings that help them blend into their surroundings.
Housing Mourning Geckos
Mourning geckos are small and don’t require a ton of space, but they do have specific needs when it comes to their enclosure.
Enclosure Size and Type
For a single gecko, a 5-gallon enclosure is probably the minimum, but for groups, you’ll want to go with a 10-gallon tank or larger. Because they are arboreal, you’ll want to emphasize vertical space by including branches, cork bark, and plenty of leafy foliage. Also, these little guys are escape artists, so you’ll need to make sure you block any possible escape routes.
Vivarium Setup
You’ll want to use a moisture-retentive substrate like New Zealand sphagnum moss. Provide plenty of hiding places by adding plants, cork bark, and other decor. You might even consider a bioactive vivarium with live plants and invertebrates.
Environmental Control
During the day, try to maintain a temperature gradient of 70-80°F. At night, the temperature can drop to 65-75°F. They also need high humidity, especially when they’re babies. Try misting the enclosure once or twice a day. UVB lighting isn’t strictly necessary, but it can be beneficial.
Feeding Mourning Geckos
Mourning geckos are insectivorous-frugivorous, meaning they eat both insects and fruit. In captivity, their diet should be varied to keep them healthy and happy.
Diet
You can feed them a variety of tiny insects. Fruit flies (both Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila hydei), pinhead crickets, and ¼” crickets for adults are all good choices.
You’ll also want to supplement their diet with a gecko diet mix (MRP).
Feeding Schedule
- Hatchlings: a dime-sized blob of Gecko MRP every other day
- Juveniles: a nickel-sized blob of Gecko MRP per gecko
- Adults: appropriately sized insects and MRP several times a week
Supplementation
Dust feeder insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements to keep your geckos healthy.
Social Behavior and Handling
Mourning geckos do well in groups. In fact, when you keep them in groups, you’re more likely to see them engage in interesting social behaviors.
However, these lizards are small and delicate, so handling should be kept to a minimum. A “look, don’t touch” approach is best.
Finally, mourning geckos are known to be vocal. They make little squeaking and creaking sounds.
Breeding Mourning Geckos
One of the most fascinating things about these little lizards is how they reproduce.
Parthenogenesis
Mourning geckos are all female, and they reproduce asexually through a process called parthenogenesis. In parthenogenesis, an embryo develops from an unfertilized egg. Basically, they clone themselves.
Egg Laying
The females lay clutches of two eggs about every month to six weeks. They usually glue the eggs to surfaces inside their enclosure.
Incubation
The eggs will hatch in about two months if you keep them at room temperature. You can leave the eggs in the vivarium to hatch, but it’s important to keep an eye on the hatchlings.
Hatchling Care
Keep hatchlings in small groups of two, and house them in something like a 32-oz deli cup until they’re well-started. It’s important to keep the humidity level high to help them shed their skin properly.
If you leave the eggs in the vivarium, watch carefully for cannibalism. Mourning geckos have been known to eat their young.
Summary
Mourning geckos are rewarding pets, and these small lizards can thrive in captivity if you provide them with the right housing, diet, and breeding setup. Creating the correct environment is essential for their health and well-being.
These lizards are an excellent choice for beginners because they’re easy to care for. Their all-female populations and social behavior make them an especially interesting species to keep.
If you choose to keep mourning geckos, make sure you’re ready to be a responsible pet owner. Before you bring them home, do your research to ensure you can meet their needs.