Care sheets on GlasgowGecko.co.uk

Here at GlasgowGecko.co.uk we are firm believers that no single care sheet can fully address all the possible options available to reptile keepers (and yes, that includes our own!). For this reason we urge you to read as much as possible, trust us on this you ARE going to find conflicting advise, but the best way to make a choice, is by being informed.

So, browse through, compare and contrast, and most importantly ask questions...

- Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

- Crested Geckos (Rhacodactylus ciliatus)

- Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis)

- Dwarf Yellow-headed Gecko (Lygodactylus luteopicturatus)

- Standings Day Gecko (Phelsuma standingi)

Dwarf Yellow-headed Geckos

The genus Lygodactylus is relatively large and consists of approximately 60 species of relatively small, diurnal geckos generally considered as day geckos. Closely related to the genus Phelsuma, they are very similar in morphology (body shape and structure). One of the main differences between the genera is the presence of lamellae on the tip of the tail which are absent in Phelsuma.

Almost all the species form the genus Lygodactylus are found in Madagascar or in Africa, with a large amount of the diversity present in Tanzania. Species habitat diversity is large, ranging from tropical rainforest to dry, thorny savannas, over a range of altitudes from sea level to mountainous alpine. As with most geckos, males are very territorial and will commonly be found on a single tree trunk, with a number of associated females.

Relatively few species from this genus are kept in captivity, and those that are are predominantly wild caught. Taxonomy in this genus is somewhat vague (or most likely wrong) with common names most frequently mis-quoted. The most common species offered for sale in the UK are L.capensis, L.kimhowelli, L.luteopicturatus, L.angularis and L.williamsi, although in general wild caught examples can be labeled under a variety of names.

Lygodactylus luteopicturatus

L. luteopicturatus (Pasteur 1964) are one of the more colourful species within the genus, with males most overtly so, exhibiting stronger colour contrasts than those seen in females. In general they have a light grey/ blue body with some feint light brow/black markings. The head is yellow, with dark stripes. Please note the stripes are not black. Black stripes are commonly observed in L. kimhowelli and L. picturatus. Stripes are vertically oriented. Females are generally the same colour, although much paler, with a predominantly pale brown body.

The identification of the sexes is relatively easy; the male will exhibit a black throat, whereas the female will not. This simple (admittedly not fool proof) method of sex determination also applies to a number of other species within the genus, including L. kimhowelli. If a more hands on approach is needed to accurately sex individuals, the presence of pre-anal pores in a distinct V shape are characteristic of adult males, and absent in females. There is some anecdotal evidence of slight sexual dimorphism in head shape, with males tending towards a heavier set head and neck, although this may be obscured in many wild caught individuals do to extreme weight loss and dehydration.

In general terms L. luteopicturatus has a moderate body length of approximately 8-10 cm, which appears around average for species within this genus. within the genus.

The species occurs in the South of Kenya, Eastern Tanzania and the island of Zanzibar. The species live in habitats that consist of dry to humid forest savannas. In these areas the animals live mostly on tree trunks, but occur also on houses and brick walls. At these spots it’s often drier and warmer than in the environment. In the natural areas the temperature varies between 28 degrees Celsius in July-August and 31 degrees Celsius in December-January and 19-24 degrees at night. The relative humidity is constant between 60-70 % at daytime, and until 90% at night.

L. luteopicturatus in captivity

Being a relatively small species, individuals do not require huge amounts of space in captivity. A good sized for a terrarium for a pair of this species would be 30 cm x 30 cm x 45 cm (LxWxH).  Exo Terra terrariums are ideally suited for this. Within the terrarium it is important to utilize the space so a variety of branches and bamboo poles can be used, along with cork bark and live (or plastic) plants.

The temperature in the enclosures varies between 25-33 degrees at day and 18-22 degrees at night. This temperature is achieved by using household spot light on a dimmer stat. We use a 5% UV bulb.

The enclosure should be misted 2-3 times a day.

Feeding this species is not difficult. They have large appetites and will eat just about anything that will fit into their mouths. So a variety of insects can be used. This can be supplemented with fruit puree. All food should be supplemented with calcium and multivitamins, and feeder insects should be gut loaded prior to feeding (as with most species).

Breeding L. luteopicturatus

The species is not difficult to breed. During breeding season, the females lay a pair of eggs roughly every two weeks. In general they are layed either in a recess of a plant or in the end of a bamboo tube. Eggs have a strong shell, with a diameter of approximately 5-6 mm. At a constant temperature of 27 degrees, the eggs hatch in 80 days, when the temperature fluctuates, as expected when incubating in the terrarium (day 28 degrees, night 20 degrees) the eggs take about 100 days to hatch. This is quite often the case with this species, as eggs are generally hard to find.

Hatchling care

The babies are very small, total length is 26-27 mm, and are very delicate. There are no hard and fast rules on the best methods to use, however good results can be achieved using either 30 cm cube Exo Terras. This size enclosure would be fine for 3-4 individuals.For food, suitably sized insects including very small crickets (hatchlings), drosophila and springtails (Collembola) are suitable. The babies need food daily, and are very vulnerable for dehydration. Spraying twice a day is essential.