Mourning Gecko | Lepidodactylus lugubris
Plan the habitat for the adult animal, with secure housing and room to carry out its natural behaviour.
At a Glance
| Origin & natural habitat |
Indo-Pacific regions; warm forest edges and human-associated vegetation. |
| Adult size |
Around 8–10 cm including tail. |
| Lifespan |
Around 5–10 years. |
| Temperament |
Individuals vary; allow time to settle before any handling. |
| Activity |
Mostly dusk and night-active. |
| Social needs |
Can be kept in a carefully monitored colony with abundant resources. |
Housing & Setup
Enclosure dimensions are length × depth × height unless stated otherwise. Plan for the adult animal; larger, suitably furnished housing is encouraged.
| Adult housing |
At least 45 × 45 × 60 cm for a small adult group; expand as the colony grows. |
| Temperature |
Daytime around 24–28°C; a cooler shaded retreat and modest night drop. |
| Lighting & UVB |
Provide a regular day/night cycle with darkness at night. Select species-appropriate UVB, with shaded retreats and safe lamp distances. |
| Humidity / moisture |
Around 60–80%, drying between mistings. |
| Substrate |
Species-appropriate, pesticide-free substrate; avoid aromatic woods. |
| Furnishings & filtration |
Dense fine foliage, climbing branches, multiple feeding points and egg-laying cover. |
Behaviour & Compatibility
These small geckos reproduce without males. Check doors and vents carefully; hatchlings escape through tiny openings.
Feeding & Nutrition
Offer a complete small-gecko diet and appropriately sized fruit flies or other tiny gut-loaded live insects. Feed juveniles more frequently and monitor each animal; supplement insect meals appropriately. Provide drinking droplets.
Routine Care
Check temperatures, humidity, appetite and behaviour daily. Replace drinking water and remove waste promptly. Clean bowls and contaminated furnishings regularly; monitor weight and shedding. Arrange advice from an exotics vet for persistent changes in appetite, breathing or movement.
Important Before Buying
Run and check the enclosure before collection. Adult housing requirements apply even when the animal is sold as a baby. Confirm the animal’s current food, age and supplement schedule with our reptile team.
Live Animals Are Click & Collect Only
We do not ship live animals. Order online and wait for confirmation that your animal is ready before collecting from Newlands Home and Garden Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Have the enclosure prepared and its conditions checked before collection.