🦎 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.

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.

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 - replace bulb every 6 to 12 months according to manufacture

    • 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

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 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)

Diet

  • Type: Omnivores and have small but quick metabolisms.

  • Staple Foods

    • Fruit flies

    • Pinhead crickets

    • Springtails

    • Bean beetles

    • Small roaches

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

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Feed 3–4× per week

    • Insects (2–3× per week)

  • Supplements

    • If feeding an MRP diet, supplementation needs are minimal.

    • If feeding insects:

    • Calcium 2–3× per week

    • Multivitamin 1× per week

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament: Mourning Geckos are real small, but very fast and skittish. They seem to be social in groups, vocal and make very cool display animals but due to their size they are not great for handling.

  • 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

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

  • Veterinary Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a qualified reptile veterinarian. Fecal exams are crucial for detecting parasites early, especially in imported individuals.

🦎 Final Thoughts

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.