🦎 General Info

Mourning Geckos (Lepidodactylus lugubris) are tiny, active, parthenogenetic geckos found throughout tropical regions of the Pacific, Southeast Asia, Central America, and various islands. They are unique because they are all-female, reproducing through parthenogenesis (they clone themselves). Adults reach 3.5–4 inches, making them one of the best small geckos for bioactive enclosures and group setups.

They are fast, vocal, and nocturnal, often chirping or squeaking at night. Mourning geckos are hardy, communal, easy to care for, and thrive in naturalistic enclosures. They make excellent pets for beginners through advanced keepers. With proper care, they live 8–10+ years.

1. Enclosure

Size

Mourning geckos are tiny, but active climbers.

  • Single or pair: 12" x 12" x 18" minimum

  • Groups (3–6): 18" x 18" x 24" or larger

  • Bigger is always better due to their social, active nature.

Material

  • Glass terrariums (front-opening recommended)

  • Tall vertical enclosures preferred

  • Excellent ventilation is necessary to prevent stagnant humidity

Substrate

Bioactive setups work extremely well.

Best substrate options:

  • Coconut fiber

  • Reptisoil

  • ABG mix

  • Organic topsoil mixes

Depth: 2–4 inches for plants and microfauna.

Décor

Provide LOTS of climbing and hiding space:

  • Cork bark flats and rounds

  • Bamboo tubes

  • Vines and branches

  • Live or fake plants

  • Leaf litter

  • Feeding ledges

Mourning geckos feel secure in cluttered, densely planted environments.

2. Temperature & Lighting

Ambient Temperature

  • 75–82°F ideal

  • Warm side/basking area: 85–90°F

  • Cool side: low–mid 70s

  • Night temps: safe down to 70–72°F

Lighting

  • Low-intensity UVB (2–5%) is beneficial but not required

  • Provide a 12-hour light cycle

  • Full-spectrum LED plant lights recommended for bioactive setups

Heating

  • Overhead heat is preferred (small halogen or heat projector)

  • Use a thermostat when possible to prevent overheating

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity

  • Maintain 60–80% humidity

  • Mist the enclosure 1–2× daily depending on ventilation

  • Provide dry spots to prevent constant wetness

Water

Mourning geckos rarely drink from bowls — they prefer droplets.

Provide:

  • Light misting for drinking

  • A small shallow water dish or dripper (optional but recommended)

4. Diet

Mourning geckos are omnivores and have small but quick metabolisms.

Staple Foods

  • Commercial crested gecko/mrp diets (Pangea, Repashy, etc.)

  • Feed 3–4× per week

Insects (2–3× per week)

Small live insects:

  • Fruit flies

  • Pinhead crickets

  • Springtails

  • Bean beetles

  • Small roaches
    They love to hunt and benefit from the stimulation.

Supplements

If feeding an MRP diet, supplementation needs are minimal.

If feeding insects:

  • Calcium 2–3× per week

  • Multivitamin 1× per week

Notes

  • Avoid oversized insects

  • Provide a feeding ledge — they naturally lick food from vertical surfaces

5. Behavior & Handling

Temperament

Mourning geckos are:

  • Fast

  • Skittish

  • Social

  • Vocal

  • Great display animals, but not ideal for handling

They are escape artists — tiny and quick.

Handling

  • Handling is generally discouraged

  • They can drop their tails if stressed

  • Viewing is best through the glass

  • Use caution when opening the enclosure — they bolt toward gaps

Enrichment

  • Dense foliage

  • Multiple hiding spaces

  • Branches and bamboo

  • Small insect feedings for hunting behavior

  • Rearranging décor occasionally encourages natural exploration

6. Health & Lifespan

Lifespan

  • 8–10+ years with proper care

Common Health Issues

  • Malnutrition (from poor diet variety)

  • Dehydration (usually from insufficient humidity)

  • Stuck shed

  • Egg binding (rare but possible despite parthenogenesis)

  • Tail loss due to stress

Signs of Illness

  • Sunken eyes

  • Refusal to eat

  • Lethargy

  • Difficulty climbing

  • Stuck shed on toes or tail

  • Rapid weight loss

Vet Care

Small reptiles can be difficult to treat, but a reptile vet is recommended if symptoms persist.

🦎 Final Notes

Mourning geckos are tiny, active, social, and endlessly fascinating reptiles. Their parthenogenetic reproduction, fast-paced behavior, and communal lifestyle make them unique among geckos. They thrive in bioactive setups rich with plants and climbing surfaces.

With proper humidity, temperature, diet, and enclosure complexity, Mourning geckos are hardy, prolific, and rewarding pets that provide constant activity and natural behavior for keepers to enjoy.