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Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii)

Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii), typical appearance of the species

Geckos · Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

Key facts and care guidance for Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) (origin: Southern half of Australia: from central Queensland through New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia to Western Australia (Shark Bay); dry and more humid forest areas). Adult size around up to approx. 15 cm total length. Life expectancy 10–15 years (up to ~20). The values below are carefully researched guidance.

Short answers

Thick-tailed gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?

From 70×50×50 cm for one animal or a pair (ground-dwelling gecko, structured back and side walls).

Thick-tailed gecko: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 22–30 °C, basking spot small warm spot ~30–32 °C in one corner, at night 18–20 °C.

Thick-tailed gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: Optional (crepuscular/nocturnal).

Thick-tailed gecko: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 10–15 years (up to ~20).

Thick-tailed gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?

Partly – manageable with some prior knowledge (difficulty: Beginner to intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature
22–30 °C
Night temperature
18–20 °C
Basking spot
small warm spot ~30–32 °C in one corner
Humidity
40–60 %, plus a humid hide
UVB
Optional (crepuscular/nocturnal)

Enclosure

Minimum size
from 70×50×50 cm for one animal or a pair (ground-dwelling gecko, structured back and side walls)
Substrate
A sand-loam mix, bark, cork tubes, plant-pot shards

Feeding

Food
Insects (crickets, house crickets, roaches)
Feeding interval
2–3×/week

Key facts

Adult size
up to approx. 15 cm total length
Life expectancy
10–15 years (up to ~20)
Origin
Southern half of Australia: from central Queensland through New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia to Western Australia (Shark Bay); dry and more humid forest areas
Protection status
No CITES; an Australian export ban → captive-bred animals only
Brumation
Winter dormancy of 2 months at around 15–18 °C (promotes breeding; a faecal check beforehand is recommended)
Cohabitation
A pair or harem; do not keep males together. The reason: several males fight over territory and the warm spot until one is injured or spends its life in a corner. Females usually get on, but each needs its own warm spot and hide; feed them separately once they differ in size.

Notes

It does not like heat (above 30 °C means stress) and prefers cooler temperatures. Ground-dwelling and crepuscular; it "barks" when threatened, and a wet box matters.

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Related species

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 70×50×50 cm for one animal or a pair (ground-dwelling gecko, structured back and side walls)), substrate (A sand-loam mix, bark, cork tubes, plant-pot shards), 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: tropic-shop.de, reptile-care.de, magic-leopardgeckos.com, Wikipedia EN, egernia.info

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).