Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni)
Geckos · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni) (origin: Eastern Madagascar – montane rainforest). Adult size around 13–16 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×70 cm.
Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 20–25 °C (COOL), basking spot No basking spot, at night 17–20 °C.
Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).
Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 20–25 °C (COOL)
- Night temperature
- 17–20 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–95 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×70 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, vertical cork bark, moss, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 13–16 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar – montane rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II; a very small range, IUCN "Vulnerable"
- Brumation
- A cooler spell of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Keeping in pairs (one male with one or more females) works reliably. Two males do not go together — they fight over territory and the best hides until one is seriously injured or sits permanently in a corner. Several hides are important so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and feed separately once animals differ in size.
Notes
Described only in 2003, with a striking dorsal crest. A montane rainforest species: permanently cool and very humid, and summer heat is lethal. One of the most demanding Uroplatus species.
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Related species
- Alluaud's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus alluaudi) – Expert
- Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui) – Intermediate to expert
- Finiavana leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus finiavana) – Intermediate
- Common flat-tail gecko (Uroplatus fimbriatus) – Intermediate to expert
- Günther's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus guentheri) – Expert
- Henkel's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus henkeli) – Expert
- Lined leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus lineatus) – Expert
- Mossy leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×70 cm), substrate (Coco humus, vertical cork bark, moss, dense 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.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 25 September 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus_pietschmanni
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).