Encyclopaedia
ReptileTerrestrialEasy
©AI Generated·Proprietary
Madagascar Ground Gecko
Paroedura picta
A small, docile terrestrial gecko from Madagascar with large eyes and a beautiful banded pattern. Crepuscular and easy to keep in a horizontal enclosure with a humid hide.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Gekkonidae
Genus:Paroedura
Species:Paroedura picta
Share
Check out Madagascar Ground Gecko on Atlarium
Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
50 - 70 %
Day temperature
28 - 30 °C
Ambient temperature
26 °C
Night temperature
20 °C
Basking spot
32 °C
Adult size
9.24 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 40 L
UVB
Basso
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Paroedura picta is endemic to the southern and southwestern regions of Madagascar. It is a terrestrial species inhabiting dry deciduous forests, scrublands, coastal dunes, and rocky semi-arid plains. It seeks shelter during the day under fallen logs, rocks, and leaf litter or inside abandoned burrows to escape the intense heat of the sun.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Belonging to the family Gekkonidae and the genus Paroedura, it is also known under the synonyms Paroedura pictus and the Panther Gecko or Ocelot Gecko. Captive breeding has established various genetic morphs including albino, striped, xanthic, and anerythristic forms, making them highly appealing to reptile hobbyists.
Behavior and Habits: Primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, emerging from hiding places at dusk to forage. Although it possesses tiny adhesive pads on its toes, it is mostly terrestrial and does not climb smooth vertical surfaces well. It has a docile nature, though males can be highly defensive during breeding season.
Morphology: A relatively small gecko, reaching an adult length of 12 to 15 cm including the tail. It features a prominent, large head with big, dark eyes and vertical pupils. The skin is covered in rows of raised tubercles, giving it a bumpy texture. The wild type displays a dark brown body with contrasting cream-white bands and stripes.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: A horizontal enclosure measuring 60x40x40 cm is ideal for a single adult or a pair. Use a substrate of coconut coir, cypress mulch, or a sand/soil mix. Provide several hiding spots on both the warm and cool sides of the enclosure. A humid hide filled with damp sphagnum moss is absolutely critical to facilitate proper shedding.
Lighting and Heating: Provide a thermal gradient with a hot spot of 28-30°C (82-86°F) and a cool side of 22-24°C (71-75°F). This can be achieved using an under-tank heating mat or a low-wattage basking light. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 20°C (68°F). A low-level 2-5% UVB light is recommended to support calcium metabolism.
Humidity and Hydration: Maintain ambient humidity at 50-60%. Mist the enclosure lightly once a day, preferably in the evening, to simulate dew and allow the gecko to drink droplets. A shallow water bowl with fresh, clean water should always be available, but keep it shallow to prevent any accidental drowning risk.
Feeding and Supplementation: Strictly insectivorous. Feed a varied diet of appropriately sized crickets, roaches, and mealworms. Live insects should be gut-loaded and dusted with pure calcium powder at every feeding, and a calcium-D3 supplement twice a week. Do not feed insects larger than the width between the gecko's eyes.
Compatibility: Males are territorial and must never be housed together as they will fight, often resulting in severe injury or death. One male can be housed with one or two females of similar size in a larger enclosure. However, breeding females must be monitored for signs of calcium depletion from egg-laying.
Health and Common Diseases: Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a major concern caused by lack of dietary calcium or D3, causing soft bones and tremors. Retained shed on toes and tail tips can lead to constriction and loss of digits; check the gecko after every molt. Routine fecal exams are advised to monitor for internal parasites.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Paroedura picta is endemic to the southern and southwestern regions of Madagascar. It is a terrestrial species inhabiting dry deciduous forests, scrublands, coastal dunes, and rocky semi-arid plains. It seeks shelter during the day under fallen logs, rocks, and leaf litter or inside abandoned burrows to escape the intense heat of the sun.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 9.24 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 9.24 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 9.24 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
