Do you want to adopt a low-maintenance, social, and friendly small reptile?
Mourning geckos might be your perfect match. They’re also surprisingly tough and entertaining to watch, despite their small size. We’ll look at how to take care of these geckos, from their habitat requirements to feeding habits.
Introduction
The mourning geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are among the most resilient and fascinating reptiles of the world. One of the most impressive traits is their ability to reproduce in the absence of a male. This process, known as parthenogenesis.
Yes, the majority are female. This intriguing feature not only makes them unique, but it also makes them remarkably easy for people to breed. Originally from coastal areas of the Indo-Pacific, these creatures range from Madagascar to Polynesia. They have now become common in pet stores, hobbyist enclosures, and science classrooms around the world.
The Hawaiian Mourning Gecko is a popular variant because of its adaptability. The mourning geckos are less delicate than other species. They adapt well to bioactive environments and thrive in groups.
You can have a great experience with mourning geckos. This is true for both new reptile keepers and experienced ones. They are easy to care for and work well in a group setup.
Size and Appearance
One of the most obvious things you’ll observe concerning mourning gecko size. But how big do mourning geckos get? The average adult size is 3.5 to 4 inches (9 to 10 centimeters) from the nose to the tail. This size makes them ideal for smaller enclosures.
Mourning gecko morphs show a wide range of slight variations. Certain have darker markings and others have lighter hues or have a distinct Yellow-bellied mourning gecko appearance. Their skin color changes in response to their environment and mood.
You can also look at the different types of mourning geckos. This helps us see how their bloodlines and locations change their appearance.
Habitats of Nature Habitat
In the natural world, mourning geckos are found in an array of habitats. You usually find them in warm, humid areas. These places are often near the coast and have thick forests for protection. You often find them hidden beneath tree bark and mangrove trees or tucked into small cracks in the rocks or fallen wood.
Because of their nocturnal nature, they tend to remain in hiding and are only active at night. After dark, they return to explore, climb as well, and search for food.
The ability of mourning geckos to adapt to the environment makes them truly unique. It is not unusual to find animals living close to humans in areas where there are few natural hideouts.
It is common to see them darting past garden walls. They slip through shutters and make homes in quiet parts of buildings. Their ability to adapt helps them reach many regions around the world.
The number of mourning geckos in Hawaii is a great illustration of this characteristic. They thrive in both city and country areas of the islands. They enjoy the warm, wet climate and many plants.
If you keep them in captivity, you should try to replicate the natural climate. Maintain a warm, moderately humid enclosure with lots of structure for climbing, as well as places to hide.
The Mourning Gecko Care Essentials
Caring for mourning geckos is simple. However, paying attention to details is important for a healthy and happy home. Here are the basic grooming requirements, which are simple to follow and can be easily managed by any pet owner:
Mourning Gecko Caring
Enclosure:
A 12x12x18-inch tank size can be used for a small or a trio group. The vertical space is important due to their arboreal design.
Humidity:
Maintain levels between 60-80%. A daily misting can help, as well as the use of a hygrometer will ensure precision.
Light:
UVB isn’t mandatory; however, the low-level UVB (2.0-5.0) could help to aid in natural behavior and calcium absorption.
Hidden Spots:
Include the cork bark tube, living plants, leaf litter, and coconut hides in order to create an environment of a forest.
Bioactivity:
The isopods and the springtails assist in removing waste and keeping the environment clean. They are ideal for low-maintenance keepers.
The Gecko Mourning Temperature
The ideal temperature for the day is 75degF to 82°F. Dropping to mid-70s. Beware of heat spikes that exceed 85°F, as they can cause stress to your pets or even harm them. Ceramic heat emitters for a thermostat or low-watt heat mat will keep you warm in colder weather.
Step-by-step mourning gecko setup guide
Diet and feeding
Mourning Gecko Diet
The omnivores consume a variety of food. In nature, they consume nectar, fruit, and even small invertebrates. Imitating this species in captivity helps improve health, coloration, as well as egg production.
What do mourning geckos eat?
Insects: Wingless fruit fly, pinhead crickets, white isopods, and tiny insects similar to Blatta lateralis
Commercial Diets: Repashy Crested Gecko Diet or Pangea Fruit Mix 2 – 3 week Complete (in flavors like watermelon or fig)
Special Treats: A small amount of honey that is organic and mashed banana, or mango puree
Mourning Gecko Food Tips
Feed your insects three times per week and fruit mix 2 to 3 times every week. Mix calcium + D3 with multivitamin powder each time you feed for a balanced diet. Food stations, or smaller bottle caps, are ideal for a mix of fruits.
The full mourning gecko diet and feeding program
Reproduction and eggs
The most interesting aspect of these lizards mourning gecko reproduction. Unlike other reptiles, geckos can reproduce by parthenogenesis. This means females can lay fertile eggs without males.
What is the best way to reproduce a mourning gecko?
If you’re asking how mourning geckos reproduce, they are actually pretty simple. Females make two pairs of mourning gecko eggs every 4-6 weeks. They usually stick them on a wall within the enclosure. The eggs hatch within 60-90 days, depending on the temperature.
Do you know of male mourning geckos? Though rare males may show up, they’re generally in a sterile state. The majority of hobbyists have female colonies which self-sufficiency over time.
Longevity and Lifespan
The Mourning Gecko Lifespan
When properly taken care of, mourning geckos live 6 to 10 years when kept in captivity. Sometimes, they live in well-maintained environments. Their endurance and low needs for space and care make them popular with pet breeders and hobbyists.
Final thoughts
The mourning geckos make excellent pets for people looking for an active, self-replicating, family-oriented animal. Their small size and interaction with other animals make them great for vivariums.
They are easy to care for and work well in display installations and breeding. It doesn’t matter if you are creating a complex bioactive enclosure or a simple tank with basic items. Mourning geckos will do well in vivariums that meet their basic needs.
Find more information about mourning geckos, morphs, breeding, diet, as well as setting up a terrarium on our site.