Lepidodactylus lugubris (Mourning Gecko)

Natural History

Lepidodactylus lugubris is a small arboreal gecko native to coastal regions and tropical islands throughout Southeast Asia and the Pacific. They inhabit warm, humid forests where they spend most of their time climbing vegetation, trees, and rocky surfaces. This species is well known for its ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning females can produce offspring without the presence of a male.

Description

Mourning Geckos have a slender body with smooth skin and large eyes adapted for nocturnal activity. Their coloration typically ranges from light tan to dark brown with intricate mottled or striped markings that provide excellent camouflage. Although small in size, they are highly active climbers and make an attractive addition to naturalistic tropical vivariums.

Social Behavior

Can be kept in groups, as they are generally social and do well in colony-style setups when provided with adequate space, climbing opportunities, and multiple feeding stations. Minor territorial behavior may occur, but it is typically limited to brief displays.

Minimum Enclosure Size

A minimum of 18” × 18” × 18” is recommended for a small colony of 2–4 geckos. Larger colonies should be provided with proportionally larger, vertically oriented enclosures that offer plenty of climbing surfaces and hiding places.

Care Difficulty

Easy