Defining Characteristics:

• Small, nocturnal, terrestrial
• Beautiful colors and banding
• Easy to keep
• Can be handled carefully on occasion

Name: Underwoodisaurus milii. Known as Australian barking geckos, as hatchlings and juveniles are known to vocalize when threatened (in captivity, this trait usually disappears with age as they become accustomed to human interaction). 

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Juveniles or a single adult can be kept in a 12x12x12 enclosure, but pairs or trios should be provided with more space, such as a 10 gallon or 18x18x12 enclosure. Males should never be housed together. Sand works well as a substrate. Desert BioBedding with isopods (dwarf whites or dairy cows or giant canyons all work well), springtails, and succulents can be used to create a beautiful and bioactive arid enclosure! Numerous hides should be provided; slate, cork flats, live oak bark, or even everyday items like overturned flower saucers work well. Low climbing materials like rocks, driftwood, cork bark, manzanita branches, and other rough surfaces can be added, but should be supported by the bottom of the enclosure instead of the substrate.

Temperature: Keep Australian barking geckos between 74-78 F. Australian barking geckos should not be provided a basking spot as warm as other desert species; provide a basking spot of around 84-86 F, preferably maintained with an under tank heater or low wattage basking bulb. Be sure to use a thermostat to prevent overheating. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer, and the basking spot can be checked with aninfrared thermometer. Night temperatures should not fall below 65 F. UV light is not required for this nocturnal species.

Humidity: Keep Australian barking geckos at 30-40% humidity. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. A humid hide is recommended for this species to provide a humid microclimate. These geckos should be lightly misted once or twice a week, moisten a portion of the substrate and provide dew on enclosure walls and cage items from which they can drink, but enough ventilation should be provided to allow the enclosure to dry out after a few hours. A shallow water dish can be provided but is not necessary with regular misting.

Size: Australian barking geckos reach around 4.5 inches from head to tail. Juveniles sold by Josh’s Frogs are roughly 1.5-2 inches long.

Age: It is estimated that Australian barking geckos live up to 10 years in captivity. Individuals sold by Josh’s Frogs are at least 4-5 weeks old.

Feeding: Australian barking geckos are insectivores, and you can buy all the feeders you’ll need right from Josh’s Frogs! Juveniles sold by Josh’s Frogs are large enough to take ¼-inch crickets or dubia roaches. These juveniles can also be occasionally offered small to medium black soldier fly larvae and small mealworms. Adults should be fed a staple of 1/2-inch crickets or dubia roaches and can be offered other feeder insects such as black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and, as an occasional treat, waxworms, silkworms, or butterworms. All feeder insects should be gut loaded and dusted with vitamin/mineral supplements, and can be offered in a food dish.

Sexing: Adult male Australian barking geckos will exhibit a bulge at the base of the tail.

Color/Pattern: These geckos are often red-orange to orange in color with yellow or cream interrupted banding and spotting. They have a black tail with the same banding.

Social Behavior: Juveniles may be housed together. Males can be housed with a number of females provided enough space and food. Males should never be housed together.

Breeding: A light brumation period in the winter or longer days in the summer will help incite breeding. Females lay around 6 pairs of eggs during the breeding season. Eggs are buried in substrate and should be carefully removed and incubated. Eggs will also be deposited in a humid hide if one is provided.

Natural Range: Australian barking geckos are endemic to the deserts of Australia!

History in the Hobby: Australian barking geckos are established in the hobby though not always commonly available. 

Links of Interest:

• Reptiles Magazine Care Article - Reptiles Magazine article on the care of Australian barking geckos

Still not sure if the Australian barking gecko from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!