Keeping and Breeding of Spear-Point Leaf-Tailed Gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui (Boettger, 1879)) at BION Terrarium Center
BION Terrarium Center has many years of experience in keeping spear-point leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus ebenaui (Boettger, 1879)).
Uroplatus ebenaui (Boettger, 1879) is the smallest species of the Uroplatus genus.
They live in dry deciduous forests (Angel, 1942). Uroplatus ebenaui was originally described from Nosy Be, but it also occurs in lowland forests stretching from Ankarafantsika to Montagne d’Ambre in the north (http://uroplatus.info/uroplatus-ebenaui). Average SVL of adults is 55–67 mm (2.16–2.64 in), TL is 15–18 mm (0.59-0.70 in) (total length 70–85 mm (2.75-3.35 in).
Total length of juveniles is about 30 mm. The head is not flattened and terminates in a short, rounded snout. 20–22 supralabial scales are present and the tip of the upper jaw (rostrale) is not divided.
The body is leaf-shaped and laterally compressed. Some spiny scales are arranged along the dorsal spine, on the elbows and above the eyes (Glaw et al., 2007). Coloring varies from beige to red and chocolate brown with sometimes cream dorsal spine that makes them a perfect example of phytomimesys (phytomimicry).
Females are larger than males.
Keeping. We keep adults at 19*30*20 cm (7,4*11,8*7,8 in) terrariums. Babies are kept at terrariums or plastic lunch boxes 25*25*25 cm (5,9*5,9*5,9 in). The decoration of the terrarium includes horizontal and vertical thin branches, lianas and living or artificial plants. Substrate – crushed small pieces of bark with layer of dry oak leaves. Paper towel instead of substrate will be also a good decision.
Lighting. Zoo Med 5 UVB lamp is used during breeding season for 10–14 hours per day; during winter dormancy: for 4–6 hours per day.
Temperature. Daytime temperature is +24 — +25 °C (75.2–77.0 F), at night: +19 – +21 °C (66.2-69.8 F). Heating with 40W incandescent lamp is used only during winter months to maintain daytime temperature. During breeding season we use no heating source. UVB is important for successful breeding.
Humidity. Humidity level is maintained at 60-75% with double spraying (morning and evening) during the day.
Diet. Diet for adults contains Turkestan cockroaches (Shelfordella tartara), and crickets (Jamaican field crickets (Gryllus assimilis) and Mediterranean field cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus). Locusts and soft-shelled snails are used as additional food and treats, which are given 1-2 times a month. We offer 2–3 insects per head 1–2 times a week. If the animal shows signs of obesity, the frequency of feeding is reduced to 1 time per 2 weeks.
