Josh's Frogs
Indopacific Tree Gecko (Hemiphyllodactylus typus) Care and Breeding
NAME
Indopacific tree geckos (Hemiphyllodactylus typus) are named for their arboreal nature. They have a wide range in South Asia and among the islands in the Indian ocean. They are very similar to mourning geckos in that they are extreme generalists, parthenogenetic (reproduce without males), and can be housed with dart frogs!
COLORATION
Indopacific tree geckos are brown with a red tail, which turns a shade of pale yellow in adults. Some individuals have a darker brown mottled pattern. Most notable is the translucence in adults.
HOUSING
Two to three Indopacific tree geckos can be housed in an 8x8x12 enclosure, with larger enclosures holding more individuals. As an all-female species, individuals can be housed in groups so long as enough space and food is provided. These geckos are equipped with toe pads and can climb smooth surfaces like glass. Because hatchlings and juveniles are very small, any accessible escape routes must be secured!
Coco-fiber based substrates like Coco Select work well. A bioactive substrate works great for this species and can be made using BioBedding with springtails and isopods. The substrate should be kept moist.
Indopacific tree geckos are nocturnal and arboreal. Since they will hide during the day, they should be provided with secure hiding spots like crevices in cork bark. These geckos will happily use egg-laying tubes as hides as well as egg-laying sites. Live plants are always a welcome addition to the tree gecko’s enclosure, since they will help maintain a humid climate and provide additional climbing material and hiding spots.
Active climbers, these geckos should be provided with plenty of climbing material, such as driftwood, bamboo, cork bark, and manzanita branches. Be sure that any heavy enclosure items be securely placed in the enclosure.
TEMPERATURE
Indopacific tree geckos are generalists and can handle a wide variety of temperatures. They should be kept between 70-80 F, but can tolerate temperatures up to 85 F. A heat source is not necessary for this species. Because it is a nocturnal species, UV lighting is not required. However, temperatures should not fall below 65 F at night.
Indopacific tree geckos should be kept at a humidity that is at least 55-60%, and they can handle humidity up to 90%. This species should be misted daily or every other day to maintain an elevated humidity. This will also provide water droplets on the enclosure walls, leaf litter, and other cage items from which the geckos can drink. A shallow water dish can be provided but is not necessary with consistent misting. Live plants will help create humid microclimates within the enclosure.
Both temperature and humidity should be monitored with a digital thermometer/hygrometer.
SIZE
Indopacific tree geckos hatch out at under an inch. Adults reach about 3-4 inches from head to tail. It is estimated this gecko lives about 10-20 years in captivity.
DIET
Indopacific tree geckos are primarily insectivores, and we supply all of the insects that your tree gecko will need. A staple diet of pinhead to ⅛-inch crickets or melanogaster fruit flies works best for juveniles. Adults can take on ¼-inch crickets as well as melanogaster and hydei fruit flies. Feeder insects should be gutloaded and dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement. Indopacific tree geckos can also be offered gecko diet mix to supplement their diet. Mounted feeding cups work great for offering these arboreal geckos both gecko diet mix and feeder bugs.
SEX
Indopacific tree geckos offered by Josh’s Frogs are all parthenogenetic females.
BREEDING
This species is parthenogenetic: females will ovulate and lay fertile eggs without males. Females will lay a pair of eggs once every month or two in a secure area, including small egg-laying tubes. Like mourning geckos, eggs are glued to a surface; they cannot be safely removed from the surface onto which they are glued.
