white spot gecko care - Noah's Ark Pets
Common Name: White Spot Gecko
Scientific Name: Tarentola a. annularis
Size: 6" - 8"
This gecko has a body color that is dark brown with black bands with varying amounts of white spots. This arboreal gecko is mostly found in dry rocky habitatsin North Africa. This is a very active and rather difficult to hold gecko. Handling them to much will stress this small lizard. Like most other geckos this lizard is mostly nocturnal.
Captive Enclosure:
An adult white spotted gecko will require at least a 20 high aquarium when kept in captivity. For substrate use reptile bark, shredded coconut husks or reptile carpet. Spot clean as needed and replace bark type substrates at least monthly. Provide branches, driftwood, live or artificial plants, and rocks, cork bark for climbing. A screened lid should also be placed on top of the tank to prevent escape and to provide ventilation to the enclosure.
Lighting:
UVB emitting full spectrum lighting is optional for your nocturnal reptile. However it may prove to be beneficial to the long term care of your pet reptile. The light should be positioned less than 18" from your pet for maximum effect. Glass blocks ultraviolet light, and air circulation, therefore it should never be used as a top for the enclosure. A 12- hour day/ night lighting cycle is a good start for your pet reptile. Using a timer is the best way to ensure that the proper amount of light is received.
Temperature:
The daytime temperature for white spotted geckos should range between 75 and 85 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 85-95 degrees. Nighttime temperature should remain between 70 and 75 degrees. There are several methods for establishing the proper temperature range for your reptile. Using spotlights of variable wattage incandescent bulbs on the outside of the enclosure, under tank heaters or heat rocks or any combination of these. When using spotlights for 24 hour heat use red, night bulbs or a ceramic heating element to maintain day / night light cycle. Never place lights inside the enclosure where the reptile could come in contact with them and get burned. Use a thermometer to ensure proper temperature range is maintained.
Water:
Provide a medium size shallow bowl of de-chlorinated water for drinking and bathing. Clean bowl daily or as needed. White spotted geckos require low to moderate levels of humidity so mist the enclosure once or twice a week.
Food:
White spotted geckos do well on a diet consisting of a variety of vitamin/calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms.
NOTE: This care sheet is a general guide, to learn more about your pet consult a book about it.
