Captive Bred Mourning Gecko

Common Name:

Mourning Gecko (Hawaiian locale)

Scientific Name: Lepidodactylus lugubris

Size when shipped:

Juvenile: Approximately 1–2" inches. All specimens available are females as this species is parthenogentic. 

Lineage: Purchased 4 Captive Bred adults in 2016 from Shawn Harrington "The Frog Whisperer", Purchased 4 Captive Bred adults from LLL reptile in 2021. All offspring are captive bred and produced here at the Bio Dude. 

In-house testing/treatment performed:

• No kinked tails 
• Healthy body score 
• No missing toes or limbs 
• General worming of habitat/inhabitants. Fecals are done regularly in house, but due to how quickly they produce it is impossible to guarantee a clean fecal on this species. 

Defining traits:

• Small, slender gecko with mottled brown and tan patterning

• Fully parthenogenetic (females reproduce without males)

• Highly active and alert

• Excellent climbers with adhesive toe pads

• Thrives in bioactive, planted environments

• Ideal display species for naturalistic vivariums

• Cohabitants well with Poison Dart Frogs 
• Escape artists. Make sure your habitat is sealed with no small cracks or openings

Beginner to Expert: This species would be considered intermediate due to their small size, quick speed and delicate nature. They can handle a variety of temperature ranges, humidity ranges, and will love a mixture of insects + nectar diets. They can thrive in a micro terrarium and will also thrive with Poison Dart Frogs, making them an amazing gecko for advanced reptile keepers. 

Size:

• 3"–4" total length as adults

Biological niche

• Insectivorous
• Opportunistic omnivore 
• Loves going inside slender tubes and branches. They LOVE bromeliads and other water retention plants that live in the trees. 
• Nocturnal

Native range

• Originally Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands
  (Established and well-known populations in Hawaii)

Group vs. Non-group:

• Can be kept in small colonies; expect egg production. Population management will be required for this species. Once they start laying, they DO NOT STOP. 

Terrestrial vs. Arboreal:

• Arboreal. 

Vivarium Size

• Minimum for a small group: 12” x 12” x 18”

• Larger enclosures recommended for expanding colonies

Temperature

• Daytime ambient: 72–80°F

• Basking area (optional): 82–85°F

• Night drop: 68–72°F

Humidity

• 60–80%

• Daily misting recommended with good ventilation. This species really benefits from a misting system, such as the Mist King. 

Diet

• Small live insects (fruit flies, pinhead crickets, micro roaches)

• High-quality fruit-based gecko diet offered regularly

• Insects should be dusted with calcium and multivitamin supplements

Caresheet Link

Recommended Terrarium Supplies:

• Bio Dude Terra Fauna or Terra Flora substrate with a drainage layer 

• Vertical cork bark and climbing surfaces

• Dense live plants 

• Shallow water dish

• LED plant lighting

• UVB bulb is recommended (as long as not keeping with Dart Frogs) 
• Heat lamp with hotspot (as long as not keeping with Dart Frogs)

• Fine misting system or hand mister

• Digital thermometer and hygrometer

Important Purchase Information

Download the animal purchase contract and Thrive Guarantee (must be completed prior to shipping) here

Read our Live Arrival Guarantee prior to purchasing here

Schedule your shipment and upload your habitat for approval here

Conservation & Additional Resources

IUCN Red List Status:
https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/178471/7567062

ReptiFiles (if pertinent):
https://reptifiles.com/mourning-gecko-care/