Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sameiti)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sameiti) (origin: Eastern Madagascar – lowland rainforest). Adult size around 15–20 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–12 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
45×45×70 cm.
Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 21–26 °C, basking spot No basking spot, at night 18–21 °C.
Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 2–5 %).
Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–12 years.
Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 21–26 °C
- Night temperature
- 18–21 °C
- Basking spot
- No basking spot
- Humidity
- 80–90 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 2–5 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 45×45×70 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, vertical cork bark, moss, planting
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–12 years
- Origin
- Eastern Madagascar – lowland rainforest
- Protection status
- CITES II
- Brumation
- None
- 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
Long treated as a colour form of U. sikorae, today a species of its own – recognisable by the white rather than black mouth lining. Requirements as for U. sikorae, with slightly warmer lowland conditions.
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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
- Pietschmann's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus pietschmanni) – Expert
- Lined leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus lineatus) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Sameit's leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sameiti) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (45×45×70 cm), substrate (Coco humus, vertical cork bark, moss, 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: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uroplatus_sameiti
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).