Mourning Geckos: The Fascinating Self-Cloning Lizards Perfect for Small Spaces

Ever wanted a pet that defies the laws of nature, climbs walls like Spider-Man, and actually talks back to you with adorable chirps? Let me introduce you to the mourning gecko (Lepidodactylus lugubris) – nature’s own little rule-breaker that’ll completely change how you think about reptile pet ownership.

Have you ever looked at your living space and thought there’s no way you could have an exotic pet? Or maybe you’ve been searching for something truly unique that won’t have your landlord running for the hills? I was exactly where you are now.

I kind of stumbled into the world of mourning geckos by accident. What started as me looking up “normal” reptile pets somehow led me down this weird rabbit hole, and now? I honestly can’t imagine my place without those tiny squeaks greeting me when I get home.

What Makes Mourning Geckos Unique Pets?

First off—and this still blows my mind—these are all-female lizards. Yep, you read that right. Every single mourning gecko is female. They reproduce through something called parthenogenesis, basically making genetic half-clones of themselves without needing a male. While not perfect genetic copies (due to recombination during meiosis), the offspring are comparable to identical twins in terms of genetic similarity. It’s like having a tiny dinosaur that said “nah, I’m good” to the whole dating scene!

Imagine never having to worry about accidental breeding or separating pets – nature’s already taken care of that little problem for you! Think about it: when was the last time you heard of a pet that solved its own dating drama?

These little acrobats only grow to about 3-4 inches, which makes them perfect if you’re short on space. But don’t be fooled by their size—these tiny gals have personalities bigger than they are.

Unlike most reptiles that just silently judge you from their tanks, mourning geckos are actually pretty chatty. They chirp, squeak, and make all sorts of sounds that’ll have you doing double-takes around the house. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought, “Was that my gecko or is my smoke detector dying?”

They got their name from those tear-like markings on their faces that make them look perpetually sad—though trust me, their behavior is anything but melancholy. These social little creatures often live in small colonies, basically creating their own tiny gecko society right in your living room.

Setting Up the Perfect Mourning Gecko Habitat

So you’re thinking about welcoming these tiny wonders? Here’s what you’ll need:

Picture this: it’s Friday night, and instead of binging another show, you’re creating a miniature jungle paradise that would make any nature documentary filmmaker jealous. Your friends might be hitting the bars, but you’re arranging tiny branches just right for optimal gecko parkour. Trust me, it’s way more satisfying.

Choosing the Right Enclosure

Think up, not out. These little ninjas are climbers who scale surfaces like they’re auditioning for an action movie. A tall terrarium (at least 12x12x18 inches) with secure screening works great for a small colony of 3-5 geckos. Remember that as your colony grows, you’ll need to scale up your enclosure size accordingly.

Pro tip: Get a front-opening terrarium. Trying to catch these lightning-fast escape artists from a top-opening tank will test both your patience and your reflexes. Ask me how I know…

Have you ever had a pet escape on you? My first mourning gecko jailbreak taught me more about furniture moving than any house moving ever did!

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

These geckos need tropical conditions:

• Temperature: Keep daytime temps between 75-85°F with a basking spot around 85-90°F. At night, let it drop a bit to 70-75°F.
• Humidity: Shoot for 60-80% humidity, with occasional spikes during shedding times.

Not sure if your setup hits these marks? Before spending money on fancy equipment, try this simple hack: place a basic digital thermometer/hygrometer in different parts of your tank for 24 hours. Map the hot and cool zones to create your gecko’s perfect microclimate. What other pet care hacks have saved you time or money?

Lighting Needs

A simple 12-hour day/night cycle does the trick. While mourning geckos can survive without UVB lighting, current reptile husbandry best practices recommend providing low-output UVB lighting (2-5%) to ensure proper calcium metabolism and overall health, especially for long-term care.

Decorating Your Mourning Gecko’s Home

Time to channel your inner HGTV designer and create a vertical playground:

• Climbing branches, bamboo, cork bark—basically gecko highways
• Plants (fake or real) for hiding and climbing
• Multiple hiding spots at different heights (those magnetic ledges are a huge hit!)
• Small containers with moist coconut fiber for egg-laying
• A shallow water dish, though honestly, they mostly drink droplets from misting

If you’re feeling ambitious, try a bioactive setup with live plants, springtails, and isopods. It’s like creating your own little ecosystem that practically takes care of itself while your geckos get to act more naturally.

Which part of creating a gecko habitat sounds most fun to you – the decorating, the plant selection, or watching your little residents explore their new digs? I’m a sucker for mixing plants and hardscapes!

Feeding Your Mourning Geckos: Diet and Nutrition

These little guys have a surprisingly varied diet:

• Tiny insects like fruit flies, pinhead crickets, and bean beetles
• Commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) works as a staple food. I use Repashy brand.
• Fruit baby food as an occasional treat (they go nuts for it)

I’ve found that a 70/30 mix works best—about 70% commercial gecko diet and 30% insects. And remember, nothing bigger than the space between their eyes, or you’ll stress them out.

Anyone else find themselves weirdly invested in watching tiny lizards hunt even tinier bugs? There’s something strangely satisfying about seeing these little predators in action – almost like having your own miniature nature documentary playing out right in your living room!

Adults usually eat 2-3 times a week, while the growing babies benefit from daily feeding. Don’t forget to dust those insects with calcium supplement and a multivitamin once a week. Your geckos might not thank you, but their bones definitely will.

Mourning Gecko Reproduction: Managing Their Self-Cloning Nature

Here’s where things get…interesting (and potentially overwhelming). Remember that whole parthenogenesis thing? Yeah, it means your single gecko can become many without any, uh, “outside help.”

Mature females typically lay pairs of eggs every 30-45 days, though this can vary based on environmental conditions, nutrition, and individual health. The eggs hatch after about 60-70 days, with incubation time varying somewhat with temperature. While watching this miracle of nature is fascinating and all, it also means you’ll need a plan for when your gecko family starts growing exponentially.

Your options include:

• Setting up more enclosures (hello, gecko condo complex!)
• Finding homes for the babies (they make great gifts for friends who won’t panic at the word “reptile”)
• Working with local reptile shops that might take your extras

Be honest – how many tanks would your significant other/roommate/parents tolerate before staging an intervention? I’m currently negotiating for “just one more shelf” in the living room…

Health Care for Mourning Geckos

Healthy mourning geckos are active (especially after dark), have clear eyes, eat regularly, and shed properly. Fun fact: they actually eat their shed skin, so you might never even see it happening.

Keep an eye out for:

• Metabolic Bone Disease: Usually from calcium/D3 deficiency
• Respiratory infections: Look for nose bubbles or labored breathing
• Egg binding: If a female looks swollen and isn’t laying eggs when she should
• Dehydration: Sunken eyes and wrinkly skin are bad news

Important thing to note: These aren’t handling pets. They’re tiny, fragile, and can drop their tails when stressed (a defense mechanism called autotomy). The tail will regrow, though often not identical to the original. Think of them more as an amazing living exhibit rather than something to cuddle. Trust me on this one.

For those of us who like pets with a bit of independence – isn’t there something refreshing about an animal that’s perfectly content without your constant attention? What other low-handling pets have you found rewarding to care for?

Mourning Geckos vs. Other Common Gecko Pets

If you’re considering different gecko species, here’s how mourning geckos compare:

Which factor matters most to you when choosing a pet? For me, it was definitely the small space requirement and colony behavior – I love watching them interact with each other!

Cost Breakdown: What to Expect

Note: Prices may vary significantly by region and over time. The following estimates are based on U.S. pricing.

Initial Setup:

• Terrarium: $50-100
• Lighting: $20-40
• Heating: $25-35
• Decor/plants: $30-60
• Substrate: $10-20
• Geckos (2-3): $25-50 each
• Total: Approximately $185-355

Monthly Expenses:

• Food: $10-15
• Supplements: $2-5
• Electricity: $5-10
• Substrate replacement: $2-5
• Total: Approximately $19-35

I’d love to know – what creative ways have you found to save on pet supplies without compromising care quality? My personal hack is 3D printing feeding dishes!

Why Mourning Geckos Are Perfect Apartment Pets

In a world full of mainstream pets, mourning geckos offer something genuinely different:

• They’re pretty low-maintenance compared to many other pets
• Their small size works great in apartments or tiny spaces
• They create fascinating displays, especially in colonies
• Their reproductive biology makes for great conversation starters
• They’re relatively affordable to set up and maintain
• They’re quiet (except for occasional cute chirps)
• No allergies to worry about for most people

For me, mourning geckos hit that sweet spot—interactive enough that I feel connected to them, but independent enough that they don’t need constant attention. They’re perfect for nature nerds like me who prefer observing rather than handling.

What’s your pet ownership style? Are you more hands-on or do you prefer to observe? These geckos might be your perfect match if you fall into the latter category!

Common Questions About Mourning Geckos

Do mourning geckos need a male to reproduce?

No! That’s their superpower. Mourning geckos are all female and reproduce through parthenogenesis (self-cloning).

How big do mourning geckos get?

They stay tiny, usually only reaching 3-4 inches in total length including their tail.

Can mourning geckos be handled?

It’s not recommended. They’re very fast, fragile, and can drop their tails when stressed. They’re best enjoyed as display pets.

Where can I purchase mourning geckos?

Look for reputable reptile specialty shops, reptile expos, or online breeders with good reviews. Avoid wild-caught specimens and opt for captive-bred geckos that are already acclimated to terrarium life. This is not just about getting healthier animals – it’s also an ethical choice that helps protect wild populations from collection pressure.

How many mourning geckos can live together?

A standard 12x12x18" terrarium can comfortably house 3-5 adult females. Just remember that number will likely increase as they reproduce!

So if you want a conversation-starting pet that breaks all the rules, consider these tiny, chirping, wall-climbing, self-cloning wonders. Just be prepared to explain to confused visitors why all your lizards are female—and why that’s actually the coolest thing ever.

So, are you team mourning gecko yet? If you’ve taken the plunge or are thinking about it, I’d love to see your setups! Tag #MourningGeckoFam on Instagram or share a pic in the comments. And if you have questions I haven’t covered, ask away – our little community of gecko enthusiasts is growing every day, just like our colonies!