Stumpff's Ground Gecko - Paroedura stumpffi Care Sheet

NAME

Stumpff’s ground gecko ( Paroedura stumpffi ) is a semi-terrestrial species found in northern and western parts of Madagascar.

COLORATION

This species is brown in color with light and dark banding across the body. Tubercled scales give them a bumpy look.

HOUSING

A pair of ground geckos can be housed in a 12x12x12 Exo Terra enclosure. More individuals can be housed in a larger enclosure, but in order to prevent aggressive behavior, males should not be placed together. A variety of substrate mixtures can be used with coco fiber or peat moss as a base. Josh’s Frogs BioBedding works very well with this species; in addition to holding moisture, it will help propagate and maintain live plants and isopod populations in the setup (both highly recommended with this species). As semi-terrestrial species, these geckos enjoy areas to climb and perch. Bark, branches, and robust fake or live plants provide excellent climbing material. Hides should also be provided in the enclosure for security. Stumpff’s ground geckos can be kept at ambient temperatures ranging from 72-78F. A basking area of around 85F can also be provided using a heating pad or halogen light. These nocturnal geckos do not require any special lighting. Ambient humidity for this species should remain around 50-60%. Misting three to four times a week will help keep the humidity elevated, as well as keep the substrate moist and also provide water droplets from which the geckos can drink. There should be enough ventilation such that any water droplets on the walls of the enclosure dry out by the next day. A shallow water dish is also recommended. Both temperature and humidity can be monitored with a thermometer/hygrometer. SIZE Stumpff’s ground geckos reach around 4-5 inches as adults.

DIET

Unlike other geckos, Stumpff's are strictly insectivores. In captivity, they enjoy a staple diet of dubia roaches and crickets. Other food, such as mealworms and waxworms, can be offered as occasional treats. A good rule of thumb for size is to only offer insects whose length does not exceed the space in between the gecko’s eyes. Generally, hatchling ground geckos should be fed ⅛-inch crickets, with adults being able to feed on ¼ to ⅜-inch dubia roaches and crickets. Feeder insects should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement.

SEX

This species is easy to sex, as males will exhibit bulges at the base of their tails whereas females will not.

BREEDING

Females will bury pairs of eggs in the substrate during the spring and summer. The eggs can be removed and incubated. Eggs incubated between 78-84F will hatch within 60-80 days.

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