Mourning geckos are tiny, extremely capable climbers and escape artists. They are unusual because populations are overwhelmingly female and reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning eggs can be produced without a male. A small starting group can become a large colony surprisingly quickly.
Enclosure
A vertical enclosure around 30 × 30 × 45 cm (12 × 12 × 18 in) is a useful minimum for a small group, with larger housing needed as numbers increase.
The enclosure must be genuinely escape-proof. Pay special attention to:
- door gaps
- ventilation slots
- cable holes
- lid corners
- removable backgrounds
Use abundant fine branches, cork, vines, leaves, and narrow hiding spaces. Bioactive planted setups work particularly well for this species.
Social housing
Mourning geckos are naturally social and are generally maintained in groups. Still, watch for food competition and excessive density as the colony grows.
Have a plan for eggs and hatchlings before population growth becomes a problem.
Temperature
Provide a gentle gradient:
- warm/basking area: roughly 26–29°C / 80–85°F
- cooler daytime areas: around 21–24°C / 70–75°F
- night: approximately 18–22°C / 65–72°F
Avoid overheating. Their tiny body size means temperature changes affect them quickly.
Humidity & water
A useful target is about 60–70% ambient humidity, with regular daily peaks into the 80–90% range.
Mist to create droplets for drinking, then allow the enclosure to partially dry before the next heavy misting. Constant saturation encourages mold and poor air quality.
Lighting & UVB
Low-level UVB is beneficial and recommended. Provide a day/night cycle with shaded retreat areas and dense foliage so animals can choose their exposure.
Bright plant lighting is especially useful in a live-planted enclosure.
Feeding
Feed a mix of:
- fruit flies
- bean beetles
- tiny crickets or roach nymphs
- other appropriately small cultured insects
- quality complete gecko diet in very small portions
Dust live prey appropriately. Because females produce eggs repeatedly, calcium availability is particularly important. A small accessible calcium dish can also be useful.
Eggs & hatchlings
Eggs are often glued firmly to enclosure surfaces. Do not pry attached eggs loose.
If hatchlings remain in the colony enclosure, ensure food is tiny enough for them and that adults are not excluding them. If eggs or hatchlings are separated, use extremely secure juvenile containers; babies can escape through gaps that appear nonexistent.
Handling
These are observation animals, not routine handling animals. They are tiny, fast, and fragile. Use cup transfers if one must be moved.