Data sheet dwarf desert gecko
Trade name:
dwarf desert gecko
Latin name:
Tropiocolotes steudneri
Order:
Scaled reptiles (Squamata)
Family:
Geckos (Gekkonidae)
Genus:
tropiocolotes
Origin:
Algeria to Southwest Asia
Size (in cm:
7 to 9
Terrarium size / length and width:
from 50 x 30 x 40 cm
Temperature:
25 to 30 °C during the day, 22 °C at night
Behave
Lining:
carnivoremicro crickets, insects, fruit flies, small crickets, newly hatched grasshoppers, worms, ants
Behave:
group animals
Number:
Harem keeping (1 male with 2 females)
Life expectancy:
3 to 7 years
Difficulty level:
Beginner
Barbod Safaei, Tropiocolotes steudneri 1, CC0 1.0
General introduction
The animals live in sandy and rocky desert areas. The tiny creatures are popular and coveted among reptile friends. They are easy to holda small group can be kept in a not too large terrarium.
Look
The animals with the delicate physique are light yellow to ocher. Their basic color varies slightly with changes in temperature or mood swings.
The whole body is with small white and dark brown spots occupied. There are brown bands on the tail.
The scales on the abdomen, back and throat are smooth. On the back they are shingled and weakly keeled. The dwarfs have about 50 scales in the middle of the trunk. The usual ones found in geckos Adhesive strips are missing on the feet of these pygmy geckos.
Behave
The peaceful geckos are mainly active at night. They spend their days hiding under rocks, large leaves or other dark places.
Once they have gotten used to their terrarium and their keeper, they can also be seen during the day. The animals need their conspecifics around them. She get along with each othereven if there are several males in the group.
As small climbing artist they move agilely through the branches or on stones. They sometimes jump from branch to branch. At times they leave soft, squeaky tones hear. A corner of their shelter should be sprayed with water daily. The animals need this damp, cool area.
become adult animals fed three times a week. The food animals should with a Vitamin-Minaral Supplement be pollinated. This ensures that the geckos are getting enough vitamins and minerals.
terrarium
The Ground is covered with sand. There is extra sand for desert animals in specialist shops, normal bird sand also works. Small and large stones, branches for climbing, caves, large-leaved plants, tendrils and roots must be part of the interior design. A back wall made of cork also invites you to climb.
Attention, the little guys like to climb out of their pool. One appropriate coverage prevents this. The floor area should be designed in such a way that the feeding insects cannot find any hiding places. Then the dwarves can better catch their prey.
The animals are cold-blooded. It has to be in the terrarium High and low temperature areas give. At night, the temperature can generally drop to 20 °C.
gender differences
Sexually mature animals can be easily distinguished. males are on theirs hemipenis pockets to recognize. They look like two bright dots behind the cloaca. The females lack these “points”.
breed
At the mating season, the Squeals more frequently and louder. Each female lays a white egg at intervals of 4 to 5 weeks. The egg is often buried in the sand. Popular egg-laying places are the warmest areas in the terrarium.
The Eggs can be left in the terrarium or laid in an incubator become. Incubation period is 50 to 60 days at 29°C.
rearing
The young geckos can grow up with their parents. The small need to be fed daily. Therefore it is better to have them in one separate rearing box to keep.
socialization
Dwarf desert geckos can with all other Tropiocolotes species to be socialized.
You should pay attention to this when buying:
Look closely at the animals to see if they show any abnormalities. they should active be and one healthy impression make. The terrarium must be clean and furnished according to the species.