Wahlberg's velvet gecko (Homopholis wahlbergii)
Geckos · Difficulty: Intermediate
Key facts and care guidance for Wahlberg's velvet gecko (Homopholis wahlbergii) (origin: Southern Africa – dry savannah). Adult size around 18–22 cm total length. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Wahlberg's velvet gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×45×60 cm.
Wahlberg's velvet gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 26–31 °C, basking spot 33 °C, at night 19–23 °C.
Wahlberg's velvet gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended (UVB 5.0).
Wahlberg's velvet gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Wahlberg's velvet gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 26–31 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 33 °C
- Humidity
- 50–65 %
- UVB
- Recommended (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×45×60 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, large cork tubes, climbing branches
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches
- Feeding interval
- 2×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 18–22 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Southern Africa – dry savannah
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- Kept in pairs; males kept strictly separate. Two males do not work together - they fight over territory and basking spots until one is seriously injured or ends up permanently cornered. One male with several females, however, works reliably. Several basking and hiding spots matter so subordinate animals can retreat, and feed separately once animals differ in size.
Notes
A powerful, nocturnal tree gecko with broad adhesive toes. It lives in hollow tree trunks – thick cork tubes are the right furnishing. A calm temperament, but a powerful bite.
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Related species
- Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
- Common barking gecko (Ptenopus garrulus) – Intermediate
- Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner
- Bibron's thick-toed gecko (Pachydactylus bibronii) – Beginner
- Elegant gecko (Stenodactylus stenodactylus) – Beginner to intermediate
- Fan-fingered gecko (Ptyodactylus hasselquistii) – Intermediate
- Eastern Canary gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis) – Beginner with some knowledge
What you need to start
To keep Wahlberg's velvet gecko (Homopholis wahlbergii) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×45×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large cork tubes, climbing branches), 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/Homopholis_wahlbergii, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Homopholis&species=wahlbergii
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).