How long do Leaf-tailed Geckos live?
With excellent care they live 5-10 years (some reports to 15) and range 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) depending on species, with the larger U. fimbriatus reaching the top of that range.
What do Leaf-tailed Geckos eat?
They are insectivores taking crickets, roaches, moths and small flies sized to their head, gut-loaded and dusted with calcium, plus a D3 multivitamin weekly. Feed every 2-3 days. Wild-caught insects are a pesticide risk and should be avoided; these geckos are shy hunters that often feed at night.
Leaf-tailed Gecko enclosure setup
Use a tall, heavily planted terrarium (at least 18x18x24 inches / 45x45x60 cm for small species) with cork bark, branches and live or artificial foliage for cover. Maintain 70-80°F (21-27°C) days with a drop at night to 65-70°F (18-21°C) — they are cool-forest animals. Humidity must be high at 60-90% with regular misting and good ventilation to prevent mold. Provide only low, shaded UVB (2-5% T5) or none; bright light stresses them.
Common mistakes with Leaf-tailed Geckos
Fatal patterns: too much light or strong UVB (chronic stress and refusing to eat), humidity that drops too low (catastrophic sheds), a bare or tiny enclosure, and handling — their skin and tails are delicate and they drop tails easily.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Bright light or strong UVB — these shade-dwellers stress and starve.
- Humidity below 60% — disastrous sheds and dehydration.
- Too small or bare an enclosure — they need vertical cover to feel safe.
- Handling — fragile skin and they drop tails readily.