Gecko eggs, ova, liver and intestinal contents have been discovered with bacteria known to be potentially enteropathogenic. [1-4]
Female birds in the wild lay oval-shaped, pea-sized eggs into crevices such as wall gaps or tree barks.
Eggs typically develop a chalky white hue and leathery texture, prompting owners to carefully remove them from hiding places or tank accessories in order to avoid accidental crushing of these precious gems.
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Leopards and Cresteds
The common house gecko has become the world’s most widely held pet lizard due to its ease of care and unusual appearance. Originating from Southeast Asia, its range has expanded worldwide through accidental introductions or being carried onto cargo shipped overseas from there. Due to its invasive nature and adaptability for urban environments, its range continues to increase each year.
These lizards are active both nocturnally and crepuscularly at dawn and dusk, requiring additional UVB lighting as part of their habitat setup. Their eyes evolved for low-light conditions so supplemental UVB lighting may also be necessary; additionally, these species can thermoregulate effectively so they do not need hot spots in their enclosures like their counterparts, the crested geckos.
Solitary animals that live alone and communicate through distinct chirps – including long ones to indicate distress levels – chirps can also communicate their distress levels to each other through soundwaves, not unlike humans do. While they do not bite humans directly, they have been responsible for numerous AC repair bills by crawling across coils of AC units.
Frog-Eyed Geckos
Geckos can be found across Europe, Africa, Central Asia, and the Middle East, where they thrive by hitchhiking onto ships and vehicles and breeding successfully upon arriving. In many warm climates these geckos have become an invasive species, becoming established thanks to this means of transportation and breeding successfully once they arrive at their new homes.
Frog-eyed geckos, like all lizards, are insectivores that consume live insects. When kept as captive pets they should be fed a diet consisting of dubia roaches, crickets, mealworms and waxworms in captivity – for optimal results it’s recommended that each feed include gut loading of livefood as well as dusting it with vitamins and mineral supplements for optimal performance.
Frog-eyed geckos typically rest by clinging to vertical surfaces within their terrariums, as they tend to drop their tails easily when stressed. As male frog-eyed geckos may also display menacing facial expressions when threatened or lashing their tails if threatened, so multiple males shouldn’t be kept together since this may lead to aggressive behavior and tail lashing by all parties involved.
Gold Dust Day Geckos
Gold Dust Day Gecko (Phelsuma laticauda angularis) are native to northwest Madagascar but have become established in Hawaii. Although territorial, these geckos should never be housed together unless mated. Handling can stress them out further and even damage their fragile skin by handling too roughly.
They tend to be very active during the day and should be kept in a large enclosure with climbing surfaces and hiding spaces for them to take shelter in. A UVB source should also be provided, although during daylight hours this should be turned off.
Omnivorous in nature, these birds should be fed an assortment of insects, fruit mashes and powder containing vitamins and minerals for nutritional balance. A wall-mounted feeding ledge should provide their food while misted water should also be available daily – humidities should peak between 80-90% during the daytime and 50%-75% overnight.
Tokay Geckos
The tokay gecko earned its name from its loud mating call, which can be heard up to six meters away. The large ears also distinguish this lizard from other geckos. These nocturnal reptiles make great additions for any reptile enthusiast’s home; but be wary; tokays may bite!
These creatures typically only meet each other during breeding season, which typically lasts four to six months. Being territorial creatures, they will defend their territories so there is less competition for food sources.
Their ability to lighten or darken their color helps them adapt to their environment, while the folds on their skin allow them to hide on tree branches.
These lizards don’t require special UVB lighting and thrive at moderate to high humidity levels, with misting their enclosure daily using a spray bottle being an easy and effective way to increase humidity in their tank. Crickets, mealworms, waxworms, superworms, roaches and other insects that fit their size diet will sustain these creatures well.
