Gargoyle Gecko

Rhacodactylus auriculatus

Description

Next to crested geckos, gargoyle geckos are among the most popular of the Rhacodactylus genus. The name auriculatus means "eared" and refers to the fact that these geckos have pronounced parietal bones projecting from just above the ear opening (hence also the name 'gargoyle gecko.') Like crested geckos, gargoyle geckos are polychromatic and exhibit multitudinous colors and patterns. With the notable exception of any true blue hues, gargoyle geckos' colors encompass the totality of the color spectrum. They range from ghostly white, to maroon striped to green and gray mottled, and virtually everything in between. Gargoyle geckos can obtain sizes of up to about 8 inches (20 centimeters) in length, and weigh roughly 2 ounces (40 grams). They have a relatively long lifespan of at least 15 years with some captive individuals reported as being over 20.

Natural Habitat

Gargoyle geckos occur only on the southern third of Grande Terre, the island that comprises the majority of the territory of New Caledonia. Gargoyle geckos are unique among the Rhacodactylus genus in that they are only semi-arboreal, found in scrub habitat and the ecotone adjacent to primary forest. Like all Rhacodactylus, gargoyles are nocturnal and spend most of the day hiding away in tree hollows, behind bark or amongst the adjoining foliage. Despite this fact it is not uncommon to spot gargoyle geckos basking during the day.

Artificial Habitat

Housing requirements for gargoyle geckos are similar to those of the other Rhacodactylus species. The minimum size for an adult gargoyle gecko should be a standard 20-gallon (75 liter) tall aquarium. The enclosure should contain plenty of vertical room as well as numerous climbing branches and/or foliage. One of the most popular plants (from the geckos' perspective) seems to be the weeping fig or Ficus benjamina. Not only do these plants provide adequate branching for climbing, but the leaves also provide some comforting camouflage. A number of substrates are feasible: newspaper, artificial grass carpeting, or potting soil where the main component is either peat moss or ground fir bark. Perlite should be avoided as it can fairly easily be accidentally ingested. Water should be provided in the form of a shallow water dish complimented by periodic misting (best done in the evening when the geckos are most active.)

Diet

Gargoyle geckos, like the other Rhacodactylus species, are omnivorous lizards affording the hobbyist numerous choices for feeding. In the wild, they eat a variety of insects, fruits and nectars, and may also ingest bee pollen (presumably while seeking nectar). Until recently, Rhacodactylus were generally fed a pureed mix of fruit and/or meat supplemented with insects. Baby food has often been the puree of choice, but is limited in the nutrition area. There are several commercial diets that incorporate the Rhacodactylus' natural preferences for fruits and nectars and combine this with the necessary supplementation to ensure a complete nutritional diet. This being said, we believe that the geckos also benefit from the occasional feeding of crickets. This is especially true of gargoyle geckos as they are more terrestrial than the other Rhacodactylus species.

Caveats

Gargoyle geckos, like most gecko species, are extraordinarily mobile and can be quick to jump, in some cases to their own peril. In order to avoid injury to your gecko we suggest employing the hand to hand method of handling whenever you must handle your gecko. In this method the gecko is allowed to walk or climb across from one hand to another, by repeatedly placing the free hand in front of the gecko. Geckos handled in this way may calm down for brief periods. Also, gargoyle geckos can be cannibalistic, so individuals should be kept with other like-size individuals. Adult male gargoyle geckos should not be housed together.