Keyserling's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii)

Short answers

Keyserling's wonder gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 80×40×40 cm.

Keyserling's wonder gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–32 °C, basking spot 35 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

Keyserling's wonder gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (T5 4–6 %).

Keyserling's wonder gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 8–12 years.

Keyserling's wonder gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

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

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–32 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35 °C

Humidity

30–40 %

UVB

Recommended (T5 4–6 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 80×40×40 cm

Substrate

Deep sand they can dig in (at least 15 cm), stone slabs

Feeding

Food

Insects of all kinds

Feeding interval

Adults 2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

15–20 cm

Life expectancy

8–12 years

Origin

Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan

Protection status

No CITES; only EU Annex D (concerns import only) – not specially protected, no registration duty

Brumation

Yes, 8–10 weeks at 12–15 °C

Cohabitation

A harem (one male with several females) is less stressful than a plain pair because the male's attention is spread across several animals. A pair (1.1) is also possible. Two males never go together — they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is injured or sits permanently in a corner. Females need their own basking and hiding spots; feed animals of different sizes separately.

Notes

A desert dweller with large, very delicate scales: do not touch it, as they tear off easily. It digs extensively, so deep substrate.

Do you keep this species?

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

Look for Keyserling's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Przewalski's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus przewalskii) – Intermediate
• Roborowski's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus roborowskii) – Intermediate
• Common wonder gecko (Teratoscincus scincus) – Intermediate
• Agusan bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus agusanensis) – Intermediate
• Common house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) – Beginner
• Chanhome's bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus chanhomeae) – Intermediate
• Chinese gecko (Gekko chinensis) – Intermediate
• Termite hill gecko (Hemidactylus triedrus) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Keyserling's wonder gecko (Teratoscincus keyserlingii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 80×40×40 cm), substrate (Deep sand they can dig in (at least 15 cm), 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.