The lined gecko, also called striped gecko, is a very beautiful gecko that lives in the nature in the South-Eastern part of Asia. Below some more information about how best to keep this gecko species as a pet.
Description
The lined gecko is a very interesting little gecko. They got their name because of the white stripe on top of their back. The line starts on both sides of the head, converges in the neck and continues up to the tail. They have broader transverse stripes on the tail. They can come in three colors: dark brown, greenish and ‘tan’. On the underside of their legs they have a special kind of slats that allow them to run upside down on windows and to ‘stick’. It is best not to handle these geckos too often, as their home is quite fragile.
Gender discrimination
Males are usually slightly larger than females. They also usually have a wider tail root and femoral pores.
Life expectancy
They live on average 3 to 4 years old, but can certainly reach the age of 10 years!
Occurrence and biotope
In nature, this gecko is mainly found in moist forest areas in South-East Asia. They are real tree dwellers.
Housing and surroundings
A pair of gecko vittatus requires at least a terrarium of 70cm high, 40cm wide and 40cm long. As with most animals, the more space the better (keep in mind that they need to be able to find their food!)
They are very good climbers who like to walk upside down on the glass. Make sure the terrarium is very well closed, because they are real master escapees!
Place only one male in the terrarium, due to territorial behavior. Several females may be added. Be sure to place some climbing branches and some plants in the terrarium to hide, to sleep, to deposit eggs and to climb. Moisture-retaining wood chips or tree bark with moss can be used as soil material. Humidity should be 60 to 70%. It is therefore best to place a fountain or mist maker in the terrarium!
Light and warmth
This gecko prefers temperatures around 25 ° C during the day and temperatures can drop to 18 ° C at night. The temperature under the heat lamp may rise to 35 ° C.
Be sure to also place a UV lamp in the terrarium, because reptiles need UV-b light. This provides vitamin D3 so that calcium can be absorbed into the body. With a lack of vitamin D3, the animals can become very sick and malformations occur.
Food and health
Lined geckos only eat moving insects such as: crickets, grasshoppers, waxworms, silkworms, mealworms, buffalo worms, morio worms, … Feed them every 2-3 days. Provide about 10 crickets per animal. Be sure to sprinkle the food with a calcium and vitamin powder. Go to the vet at least once a year for a check-up and possible deworming.
Legislation
The lined gecko is protected by the Washington convention. However, they are not CITES animals and therefore no special papers are required to bring them into your home. (only possible approval from the municipality.)