Lined Gecko (Gekko vittatus)

Lined Gecko Gekko vittatus
Name	Lined Gecko
Name Lat.	Gekko vittatus
Family	Geckos
Family lat.	Gekkonidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Southeast Asia
Habitat	Rainforests
Diet	Insects, fruits
Humidity	70-90 %
Behavior	Nocturnal; ♂ territorial
Keeping	Pair, harem
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Oviparous
Housing	Humid terrarium
Life Span	10-15 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	25 cm
Temperature	25-28 °C
Temperature Local	35 °C
Housing Size	100 x 100 x 120 cm
US Units
Size	9.8"
Temperature	77-82 °F
Temperature Local	95 °F
Housing Size	40" x 40" x 45"

Distribution and habitat

The crepuscular to nocturnal striped geckos are native to the rainforests of Java, Timor to New Guinea and Oceania. There they inhabit the dense treetops of the rainforests as well as richly structured rock biotopes and are often found as cultural successors near settlements

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

6KRL x 6KRL x 8KRL (L x W x H)

Head-torso length (KRL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 15%. A terrarium of e.g. 100 x 100 x 120 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place

You need a terrarium with strong climbing branches, many plants (ficus, ferns, mosses, epiphytes, etc.), rock formations (hiding places and privacy screens), structured back and side walls (e.g. cork lining) and a substrate of forest soil-peat mixture as well as a large water basin (waterfall). Several times a day the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or mist system is better

Temp. day: 25-28 °C

Temp. night: 20-22 °C

Temp. local: up to 35 °C

Humidity: 70-90 %

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs. Daylight fluorescent tubes are ideal. A special UV light is not necessary.

Diet

The diet consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, zophobas and mealybug larvae, supplemented with some fruit pulp and sweet fruits (e.g. bananas, papaya). Alternatively, special ready-made food for geckos or insectivorous reptiles can be offered. Wax moths should rarely be fed in very small amounts due to their large fat content. Young animals should be offered food daily, adults 4-5 times a week. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins (dusting of feed) is important. Drinking water must always be available, but is preferably taken in drop form from leaves or furnishings. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The adult male has a thickened caudal root with a distinct hemipenis pouch.

The female sticks her hard-shelled eggs (2 pieces) to the decoration up to five times per year. At a temperature of 28-30 °C the incubation period is 90-160 days. Small insects such as fruit flies and micro crickets are suitable as initial food for the young.

The life expectancy can be 10-15 years.

Important

With their lamellar toes (adhesive toes) they can also climb on smooth, vertical surfaces (e.g. glass).

The striped gecko is a less aggressive species, but adult males sometimes behave territorially

For the resting phase, the lighting duration is shortened by 2-3 hours and the temperature is lowered by 3-4 °C for about two months, depending on the origin of the animals

With fruit and honey water as food for the feeders, their quality can be upgraded.

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak 

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF