Western shield spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus wellingtonae)

Short answers

How big does the enclosure for Western shield spiny-tailed gecko need to be?

From 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair or trio (1.2) from 60×50×70 cm (1997 expert report: 6×6×8 × snout–vent length 8.5 cm ≈ 51×51×68 cm).

What temperature does Western shield spiny-tailed gecko need?

Daytime 25–32 °C (warmest at the top), basking spot 32 °C in the upper area, at night 18–22 °C.

Does Western shield spiny-tailed gecko need UVB lighting?

UVB: Recommended (UVI 2–3 in the upper area).

How long does Western shield spiny-tailed gecko live?

Life expectancy: 6–15 years (figures for the genus vary).

Is Western shield spiny-tailed gecko suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

25–32 °C (warmest at the top)

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

32 °C in the upper area

Humidity

Dry, 30–50 %; mist lightly in the evening, heavily once or twice a week

UVB

Recommended (UVI 2–3 in the upper area)

Enclosure

Minimum size

from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair or trio (1.2) from 60×50×70 cm (1997 expert report: 6×6×8 × snout–vent length 8.5 cm ≈ 51×51×68 cm)

Substrate

Sand or sand-loam 1–3 cm, densely furnished with thin branches, twigs and dry grass tussocks

Feeding

Food

Insects: house crickets, field crickets, roaches, flies

Feeding interval

Adults 3×/week

Key facts

Adult size

12–14.5 cm total length

Life expectancy

6–15 years (figures for the genus vary)

Origin

Arid western Western Australia (the interior, e.g. around Laverton)

Protection status

EU Annex C (CITES III, Australia); export from Australia prohibited – captive-bred only

Brumation

Cooler period of 6–8 weeks: 24–27 °C by day, around 18 °C at night, shorter lighting and less frequent misting

Cohabitation

Kept singly or as a pair/trio (1.2): single keeping is the least stressful, because no male harasses the females and there is no competition for food. Many keepers do, however, keep one male with one or two females without problems if there are enough branches and perches. Never keep two males together – they fight. Feed separately if the animals differ in size.

Notes

A large, long-tailed spiny-tailed gecko with orange-brown spines and a bluish mouth. Needs dense, fine branches and grass tussocks, UVB and misting in the evening.

Look for Western shield spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus wellingtonae) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Jewelled gecko (Strophurus elderi) – Intermediate
• Northern spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus ciliaris) – Intermediate
• Southern spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus intermedius) – Intermediate
• Golden-tailed gecko (Strophurus taenicauda) – Intermediate
• Kristin's spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus krisalys) – Intermediate
• Eastern spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus williamsi) – Intermediate
• Western spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus spinigerus) – Intermediate
• Thick-tailed gecko (Underwoodisaurus milii) – Beginner to intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Western shield spiny-tailed gecko (Strophurus wellingtonae) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 45×45×60 cm for one animal; for a pair or trio (1.2) from 60×50×70 cm (1997 expert report: 6×6×8 × snout–vent length 8.5 cm ≈ 51×51×68 cm)), substrate (Sand or sand-loam 1–3 cm, densely furnished with thin branches, twigs and dry grass tussocks), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.