Helmeted gecko (Diplodactylus galeatus)

Short answers

Helmeted gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 60×40×40 cm.

Helmeted gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 32–35 °C, at night 18–20 °C.

Helmeted gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (T5 4–6 %).

Helmeted gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 6–10 years.

Helmeted gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

18–20 °C

Basking spot

32–35 °C

Humidity

30–45 %

UVB

Recommended (T5 4–6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 60×40×40 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam they can dig in, stone slabs

Feeding

Food

Insects of all kinds

Feeding interval

Adults 2×/week

Key facts

Adult size

9–11 cm

Life expectancy

6–10 years

Origin

Australia (the centre)

Protection status

Captive-bred animals only

Brumation

Yes, 8 weeks at 14–16 °C

Cohabitation

In pairs — never two males together, they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or permanently gives way. Females generally get along but need their own heat and hiding spots; feed separately if they differ in size.

Notes

A small ground dweller to be kept dry. It does not tolerate waterlogging.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Helmeted gecko (Diplodactylus galeatus) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Fat-tailed diplodactylus (Diplodactylus conspicillatus) – Intermediate
• Ranges stone gecko (Diplodactylus furcosus) – Beginner to intermediate
• Eastern stone gecko (Diplodactylus vittatus) – Intermediate
• Tessellated gecko (Diplodactylus tessellatus) – Beginner
• Western stone gecko (Diplodactylus granariensis) – Beginner to intermediate
• Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) – Beginner to intermediate
• Broad-tailed gecko (Phyllurus platurus) – Intermediate
• Delean's knob-tailed gecko (Nephrurus deleani) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Helmeted gecko (Diplodactylus galeatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 60×40×40 cm), substrate (Sand-loam they can dig in, stone slabs), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.