Characteristics:

• Nocturnal
• Small terrestrial gecko
• Parthenogenetic
• Easy to keep and breed

Name: Heteronotia binoei, Bynoe’s gecko, is a parthenogenetic gecko endemic to Australia.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Duos and trios can be kept in an 18x18x12 enclosure; more animals require more space.

Sand works well as a substrate. An arid bioactive setup is strongly recommended. Numerous hides should be provided; slate, cork flats, live oak bark, or even everyday items like overturned planter saucers work well. Low climbing materials like rocks, cholla wood, driftwood, cork bark, manzanita branches, and other decor can be added, but should be supported by the bottom of the enclosure instead of the substrate, as these geckos will dig relatively frequently.

Temperature (°F) & Lighting: Keep Bynoe’s geckos in the mid to upper 70s. A basking spot of around 85-90 degrees should be maintained with an overhead basking bulb. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer, and the basking spot can be checked with an infrared thermometer or temperature gun. Night temperatures should not fall below 65 degrees.

UV lighting is strongly recommended. Not only will they synthesize D3 from ambient UVB radiation and incidental exposure, but they will also use the UVA wavelengths visible to all reptiles to properly inform basking behavior and circadian rhythm. UV lighting should be focused on their basking site and feature Ferguson zone 1 levels of UV radiation. Animals should also be provided opportunities to escape from UV exposure throughout the rest of their enclosure.

Humidity: Keep Bynoe’s geckos at 30-40% humidity. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. A humid hide is strongly recommended for this species. These geckos should be lightly misted 2 to 3 times per week or every other day to spike humidity 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: Bynoe’s gecko hatchlings are around 1-1.5 inches. Adults will reach about 4-5 inches from head to tail.

Age: Bynoe’s geckos are at least 6 weeks old when sold by Josh’s Frogs, at which time they are well established.

It is estimated that these geckos live for 10-20 years in captivity.

Feeding: Juvenile Bynoe’s Geckos can handle feeder crickets from 1/4 - 1/2 inch, favoring smaller feeders when they're young, and slowly appreciating larger prey items as they age. Juveniles can also be occasionally offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, bean beetles, and springtails. Adults can occasionally offered black soldier fly larvae, waxworms, and small mealworms.

All feeder insects should be gut loaded and dusted with vitamin/mineral supplements; we recommend Repashy’s Calcium plus LoD when provided proper UV lighting, but if not, Repashy’s Calcium Plus should be used to account for the lack of natural vitamin D3 generation.

Sexing: Heteronotia binoei are parthenogenic. There is no need for male fertilization. 

Color/Pattern: Bynoe’s geckos are reddish-brown colored with thin banding on smooth skin.  

Social Behavior: These parthenogenetic females can be housed individually, as a pair, or, provided enough space and food, in larger groups up to 4 or 5 animals. Bullying is rare but may occur, especially between individuals with a large size difference. Bullied individuals should be separated.

This species will chirp and wag their raised tails excitedly when hunting prey.

Breeding: A moist hide can be added, but they will likely lay eggs in the substrate. Females lay pairs of eggs and can lay up to 4 clutches per year. Eggs should be carefully removed and incubated.

Natural Range: Bynoe’s geckos are endemic to Australia. They are terrestrial, living in varied habitats from sandy areas, to tropical rainforests, to deserts.

History in the Hobby: Despite being an inexpensive great beginner desert gecko, captive bred Bynoe’s geckos are not very common. We’re excited to make this gecko more popular and available!

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