Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus)
Geckos · Difficulty: Beginner
Key facts and care guidance for Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) (origin: Tanzania, Kenya). Adult size around 8–10 cm total length. Life expectancy 5–8 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko: How big does the enclosure need to be?
30×30×45 cm.
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32 °C, at night 20–23 °C.
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 5.0).
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 5–8 years.
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko: Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes – it is considered suitable for beginners (difficulty: Beginner).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 20–23 °C
- Basking spot
- 32 °C
- Humidity
- 60–75 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 5.0)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 30×30×45 cm
- Substrate
- Coco humus, bamboo tubes, cork bark, planting
Feeding
- Food
- Fruit flies, micro crickets, fruit purée
- Feeding interval
- 3×/week
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–10 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 5–8 years
- Origin
- Tanzania, Kenya
- Protection status
- Not listed under CITES
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them in pairs (one male, one female) is the least stressful option. A harem of one male and two females also works – this is how the species lives in the wild – the drawback: the females compete for basking and feeding spots, so offer several of them. Never keep two males together.
Notes
The male has a brilliant yellow head; diurnal and clearly visible. A straightforward way into the dwarf day geckos – but it needs consistently small food and constantly available calcium.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Angolan dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus angularis) – Intermediate
- Chobe dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus chobiensis) – Intermediate
- Conrau's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus conraui) – Intermediate
- Electric blue gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi) – Intermediate
- Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) – Beginner
- Kim Howell's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus kimhowelli) – Intermediate
- Mombasa dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus mombasicus) – Intermediate
- Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus picturatus) – Intermediate
What you need to start
To keep Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (30×30×45 cm), substrate (Coco humus, bamboo tubes, cork bark, 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: http://www.dwarfgeckos.com/lygodactylus/l_p/lygodactylus_picturatus.php, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lygodactylus_luteopicturatus, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-headed_dwarf_gecko, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Lygodactylus&species=picturatus, https://reptilesmagazine.com/essential-care-for-the-electric-blue-day-gecko/
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).