Mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris)

Short answers

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

From 40×40×60 cm for 2–3 animals (a group-living species — noticeably more floor space and height is better).

Mourning gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 24–28 °C, basking spot 28–30 °C (a small spot is enough), at night 20–22 °C.

Mourning gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (2–5 %).

Mourning gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 10–15 years.

Mourning gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).

Climate

Daytime temperature

24–28 °C

Night temperature

20–22 °C

Basking spot

28–30 °C (a small spot is enough)

Humidity

60–80 %

UVB

UVB recommended (2–5 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 40×40×60 cm for 2–3 animals (a group-living species — noticeably more floor space and height is better)

Substrate

Coco humus with leaf litter, slightly damp; plenty of cork and planting

Feeding

Food

Fruit flies, small crickets, wax moths, a prepared diet for fruit-eating geckos

Feeding interval

every 2–3 days; purée in a small dish

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 8–10 cm total length

Life expectancy

approx. 10–15 years

Origin

The Indo-Pacific, widely introduced

Protection status

Not protected

Brumation

None

Cohabitation

Keeping a group of several females is possible and common. In cramped conditions they squabble over the best spots — plan plenty of hides and climbing surfaces.

Notes

Purely parthenogenetic: there are practically only females, and every animal reproduces on its own. That makes it especially rewarding for beginners, but also quickly means too many animals — remove clutches consistently if no increase is wanted. Nocturnal and very small, and not a species for handling.

Do you keep this species?

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

Mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) currently offered

• Jungferngecko Lepidodactylus lugubris Gecko – Berlin · 10 €
• Jungferngeckos Lepidodactylus lugubris – Hardisleben · 15 €
• Lugubris Nachzuchten abzugeben Jungferngecko Geckos – Nürnberg · 10 €

See all listings in the marketplace →

Related species

• 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
• Elok bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus elok) – Intermediate
• Rock gecko (Gekko petricolus) – Intermediate
• Golden gecko (Gekko badenii) – Beginner

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 40×40×60 cm for 2–3 animals (a group-living species — noticeably more floor space and height is better)), substrate (Coco humus with leaf litter, slightly damp; plenty of cork and planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.