Meet the animal
Lepidodactylus lugubris is a small patterned climbing gecko. Many captive lines reproduce without males, called parthenogenesis, but “every individual is female” is too absolute. Colour cannot verify a clonal line or geographic origin.
Before you choose one
Even a small group can produce eggs and hatchlings. The proposed pair needs monitoring for competition, with extra housing ready. These are observation animals. Ask about line and reproductive history and plan contained rehoming of surplus animals.
Set up its home
The proposed 45 × 45 × 60 cm terrarium is for a small monitored starter group. Increase space as numbers rise and provide dense climbing cover. Secure hatchling-sized gaps in doors, cables and vents while preserving ventilation; ordinary adult-gecko containment is insufficient.
Temperature and safe heating
The keeper PDF describes basking around 26–29°C, cool areas around 21–24°C and nights around 18–22°C. Review the measured gradient and use a compatible thermostat for added heat. A manual dimmer alone does not automatically respond to room-temperature changes.
Daylight, shade and UV
Provide around 12 hours of light and a dark night. The guide proposes UVI 1–2 with shade. Check exposure at the highest reachable routes; tiny animals can approach the screen closely. Assess lamp clearance, guards and escape modifications together.
Water, moisture and airflow
The guide describes 60–80% humidity with wet-dry and day-night variation. Supply drinking droplets and clean mineralised water, retaining airflow and drying surfaces. Its claim that distilled water “sucks out” minerals is not adopted. Use shallow safely accessible receptacles for tiny animals.
Food and nutrition
Offer a suitable complete fruit-eating gecko diet and tiny cultured insects. Plain fruit is not a complete replacement. Provide multiple food points and check that each animal eats. Follow preparation directions and coordinate supplements with complete food, insects and UV.
Behaviour and handling
Expect twilight activity, calling and occasional disputes. Track numbers and egg locations without chasing animals at every check. Add visual barriers or separate an animal that is persistently excluded or losing condition. Avoid routine handling.
Health and life stages
Thin condition, poor grip, retained skin, wounds or feeding failure need a reptile vet experienced with small geckos. Quarantine new lines separately. Eggs attached to furnishings must be considered during cleaning; a female-only colony can still produce offspring.
Buying and keeping records
Choose documented captive-bred stock with supported identification and line records. Check current requirements before importing. Keep offspring and egg disposal contained and never release unwanted animals outdoors.
Your care routine
Test hatchling security and food access before arrival. Each day, check droplets, food and conditions. Inspect fine mesh and gaps after maintenance. Record colony numbers and egg locations, and leave clear instructions for safely containing newly found hatchlings.
YOUR CHECKLIST
0 of 6 ticked
Mourning gecko — Lepidodactylus lugubris
Care hub: wildformexotics.co.uk/animals/mourning-gecko/
Ticks are kept only while this page is open. Print or download a copy before leaving. Completing the checklist does not establish that an animal is well or an installation is safe.
Use these reminders alongside the full guide. Adjust feeding and maintenance to your animal’s condition and measured enclosure conditions.
Sources
- Mourning gecko care sheet, October 2020 (ReptiFiles)
- Reptile management and husbandry (Merck Veterinary Manual)
- UV-Tool: selecting appropriate UV lighting for reptiles and amphibians (2016) (Baines and colleagues, Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research)
- UK reptile species equipment list (Monkfield Reptile)
- CITES import and export guidance (APHA / GOV.UK)
- Guidance on section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (GOV.UK / Defra)
- Import of pet invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles: IIN (GOV.UK / APHA and Defra)
Equipment checklist
Equipment examples for Mourning gecko, grouped by care need. Read the checks before choosing. Shop links are Amazon affiliate links. Items without a verified Amazon match have no shop link.
Plan the whole setup: These examples cover only part of the setup. Meet every care need and test the finished enclosure before arrival. Suitable equipment you already own may meet the need; optional tools are labelled.
Check each item for your animal’s size and life stage, safe access, compatible controls and measured conditions. The list does not certify an installation.
Adult enclosure, substrate and shelter
Read the care guidance for this need
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Pro Terrarium 60 × 45 × 60 cm
PT4409; nominal external 60 × 45 × 60 cm; front-opening glass and lockable stainless-steel mesh top.
Secure doors, cables and vents; check the smallest life stage and actual usable space. External dimensions are not usable internal space. Check actual individual size, access, secure gaps, load support, furnishing clearance and any substrate depth before choosing this example.
Measure the finished usable floor and height after substrate and furnishings against this guide. Check doors, vents and cable gaps for the actual animal and life stage. Secure the lid, test airflow and temperature, and keep lamps inaccessible. For terrestrial layouts retain the land floor; close and secure any drain rather than adding a water pool.
Also plan for: Add the substrate, hides, cover and secure supports described in the care guide. The enclosure alone does not provide them.
Temperature and safe heating
Read the care guidance for this need
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model: PT2472
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Fit check: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Model: HTDD
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Fit check: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model: RT-1
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Fit check: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Lighting, shade and UV
Read the care guidance for this need
Existing lighting may already provide a suitable day-night cycle. If you need extra lighting, use a switch or timer confirmed as compatible with its exact load, including any UVB ballast.
Arcadia ShadeDwellerPro-Arboreal 8 W 2.4%
Model: RARTP8SA
A UVB fitting to assess against the individual exposure plan, with complete shade available.
Fit check: RARTP8SA is a 8 W, 315 mm UK 220–240 V fitting. Keep it away from water and spray; IP20 is not waterproof. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum animal clearance of 75 mm. This is a safety limit, not a recommended mounting height or UVI target. Check the complete fitting length, guards and reachable animal positions. Measure UV Index through the installed screen at each reachable height, with full shade available. Use a separately verified lighting circuit, never a heater’s dimming outlet.
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Model: 6.5R
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Fit check: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Water, humidity and ventilation
Read the care guidance for this need
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model: PT2477
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Fit check: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Also plan for: Provide the drinking water, damp retreats or safe water area described in the care guide. A sprayer and humidity gauge cannot provide these on their own.
Feeding and nutrition
Read the care guidance for this need
Alternative equipment
Repashy Crested Gecko Complete Diet — 85 g
Selected current 85 g complete meal-replacement powder listing. No Classic, Mango Tango or other flavour is inferred.
Follow label preparation and have suitability for this exact species reviewed; do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to a complete diet. Use the current complete fruit-eating-gecko formula under its label instructions alongside the insects in this species' feeding plan. Plain fruit is not equivalent. Do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to complete food.
Check the exact delivered current label for the species and life stage. Follow its mixing, storage and replacement instructions, use clean feeding stations and provide the species-appropriate insect component. This is not a universal gecko diet or a claim that a historical formula is unchanged.
Also plan for: Offer a suitable complete fruit-eating gecko diet and tiny cultured insects.
Equipment notes: Set up its home
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Pro Terrarium 60 × 45 × 60 cm
PT4409; nominal external 60 × 45 × 60 cm; front-opening glass and lockable stainless-steel mesh top.
Secure doors, cables and vents; check the smallest life stage and actual usable space. External dimensions are not usable internal space. Check actual individual size, access, secure gaps, load support, furnishing clearance and any substrate depth before choosing this example.
Measure the finished usable floor and height after substrate and furnishings against this guide. Check doors, vents and cable gaps for the actual animal and life stage. Secure the lid, test airflow and temperature, and keep lamps inaccessible. For terrestrial layouts retain the land floor; close and secure any drain rather than adding a water pool.
Equipment notes: Temperature and safe heating
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Thermometer
Model PT2472 · Remote air probe and minimum/maximum memory; place away from direct lamp radiation. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Records minimum and maximum air temperatures near a shelter your animal uses, to help you check the temperature plan.
Check before choosing: The remote probe measures air at one location. Keep it away from direct lamp heat, secure it safely and keep the display outside. Use separate probes for warm and cool areas where needed. Minimum/maximum readings help track changes; this device does not measure surfaces or control heating. Use a water-rated thermometer for submerged readings.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
HabiStat Digital Dimming Thermostat Day/Night + Timer
Only for a compatible heater when extra heat is needed
Model HTDD · 600 W maximum, no minimum load; setting range 0–50°C. Socket II is timed; this model does not actively cool. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Controls a compatible heater and allows separate day/night settings.
Check before choosing: HTDD controls compatible heaters up to 600 W, with no minimum load and a 0–50°C setting range. Socket I regulates the heater; socket II switches a separately verified load on a timer without temperature control. Never connect UVB to the dimming heater socket; the 600 W rating does not confirm T5 ballast compatibility. Guard the heater, secure the probe as instructed without tape and keep electrics dry. Check warm and cool areas with independent thermometers. The controller cannot cool a hot enclosure.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer
Model RT-1 · Measures surfaces, not air. Check distance/spot size and reflective-surface limitations. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Checks basking and other occupied surface temperatures separately from air readings.
Check before choosing: Use this for surface temperatures, with air probes for air readings. Follow the distance and spot-size instructions, and account for reflective surfaces. It cannot measure internal body temperature.
Equipment notes: Daylight, shade and UV
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Arcadia ShadeDwellerPro-Arboreal 8 W 2.4%
Model RARTP8SA · 315 mm fitting for a dry UK-voltage installation; measure actual occupied-height exposure through screen and retain manufacturer clearance and shade. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
A UVB fitting to assess against the individual exposure plan, with complete shade available.
Check before choosing: RARTP8SA is a 8 W, 315 mm UK 220–240 V fitting. Keep it away from water and spray; IP20 is not waterproof. Follow the manufacturer’s minimum animal clearance of 75 mm. This is a safety limit, not a recommended mounting height or UVI target. Check the complete fitting length, guards and reachable animal positions. Measure UV Index through the installed screen at each reachable height, with full shade available. Use a separately verified lighting circuit, never a heater’s dimming outlet.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Solarmeter Model 6.5R UV Index Meter
Use your own meter or arrange an exposure check
Model 6.5R · UV Index meter; take readings at accessible back height with screen and guards installed. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Measures UV Index at the animal’s reachable back height, with the screen and guards fitted.
Check before choosing: Use a 6.5 or 6.5R UV Index meter, rather than a UVB irradiance meter. Measure all reachable positions and shaded retreats through the fitted screen and guards. You can borrow a suitable meter or arrange a competent exposure check instead of buying one. Confirm UK supply if buying.
Equipment notes: Water, moisture and airflow
Alternative equipment
Exo Terra Mini Mister — 0.5 L
PT2489; 0.5 L hand spray bottle. The Amazon title uses 16 US fluid ounces; this is not the conflicting 1.5/2 L pressure sprayer.
Adjust to the species: do not spray the animal directly, soak every surface or treat a mister as a substitute for drinking water. Use an existing suitable fine sprayer if you have one. Follow the individual wet-dry cycle; do not spray the animal, soak every surface or substitute misting for drinking water.
A manual misting tool only where the individual care plan calls for it. Use clean water, keep the bottle hygienic and free of chemicals, and do not spray directly at the animal. Check substrate/refuge moisture and drying/airflow rather than misting to a universal schedule.
EQUIPMENT TO CONSIDER
Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer
Model PT2477 · Remote humidity probe; readings describe air at the probe, not substrate moisture. Check the supplier’s current price and availability, and confirm that the item suits your installation.
Tracks the air humidity cycle near an occupied area.
Check before choosing: Place the remote humidity sensor inside the enclosure, away from direct heat. The reading describes air at that point, so record its position and check other areas where needed. Inspect the substrate and damp retreats directly, and keep ventilation clear. A humidity reading cannot show whether an animal has drinking water.
Equipment notes: Food and nutrition
Alternative equipment
Repashy Crested Gecko Complete Diet — 85 g
Selected current 85 g complete meal-replacement powder listing. No Classic, Mango Tango or other flavour is inferred.
Follow label preparation and have suitability for this exact species reviewed; do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to a complete diet. Use the current complete fruit-eating-gecko formula under its label instructions alongside the insects in this species' feeding plan. Plain fruit is not equivalent. Do not add unmeasured extra vitamins to complete food.
Check the exact delivered current label for the species and life stage. Follow its mixing, storage and replacement instructions, use clean feeding stations and provide the species-appropriate insect component. This is not a universal gecko diet or a claim that a historical formula is unchanged.