White-spotted wall gecko (Tarentola annularis)
Geckos · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for White-spotted wall gecko (Tarentola annularis) (origin: North Africa – the fringes of the Sahara). Adult size around 15–20 cm total length. Life expectancy 8–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
White-spotted wall gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
80×40×50 cm.
White-spotted wall gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 28–34 °C, basking spot 38 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
White-spotted wall gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0).
White-spotted wall gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 8–15 years.
White-spotted wall gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 28–34 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 38 °C
- Humidity
- 35–50 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0–10.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 80×40×50 cm
- Substrate
- Sand-loam, large stone slabs, cork bark
Feeding
- Food
- House crickets, crickets, roaches, mealworm larvae
- Feeding interval
- 2–3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 15–20 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 8–15 years
- Origin
- North Africa – the fringes of the Sahara
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- A cooler dry spell of 8–10 weeks
- Cohabitation
- In pairs or singly — both work; two females generally get along too. Two males must never be kept together; they fight over territory and the basking spot. Since the species also preys on smaller lizards, no smaller gecko species belong in the same enclosure.
Notes
A powerful wall gecko, active by day and at dusk, with four white shoulder spots. It needs a very hot basking spot and strong UVB – and is clearly visible during the day.
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White-spotted wall gecko (Tarentola annularis) currently offered
Related species
- Boettger's wall gecko (Tarentola boettgeri) – Beginner
- Eastern Canary gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- La Gomera wall gecko (Tarentola gomerensis) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Helmethead gecko (Tarentola chazaliae) – Intermediate
- Tenerife wall gecko (Tarentola delalandii) – Beginner
- Moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica) – Beginner
- Arabian short-fingered gecko (Stenodactylus arabicus) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Bastard's big-headed gecko (Paroedura bastardi) – Beginner
What you need to start
To keep White-spotted wall gecko (Tarentola annularis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (80×40×50 cm), substrate (Sand-loam, large stone slabs, cork bark), 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: 30 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarentola_annularis, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Tarentola&species=annularis, https://thetyedyediguana.com/care-sheets/white-spotted-gecko-tarentola-annularis/, https://www.einrichtungsbeispiele.de/terrarium-tiere/afrika/tarentola-annularis-slnk.html, https://www.geckoweb.org/white-spotted-wall-gecko.html
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).