UVB is usually not considered necessary for Uroplatus spp. as long as they are getting some vitamin D3 in their diet. However, a low level UVB bulb (2.0) will not hurt them and could help in the long run. I would strongly recommend against a heat lamp of any sort with U. phantasticus. They are cool temperature animals and really do best at 72-76 degrees. So unless your house is unusually cold, don't add any heat.

As far as feeding, I have been able to get most satanics to tong feed without a problem. Some will be stubborn at first, but they can be convinced with a trick I like to call the "cricket-gut lipstick." First crush the cricket's head to kill it. Then make a small tear in the abdomen of the cricket so that some of the entrails are exposed. Hold the cricket with tweezers by the head and very gently wipe the entrails on the gecko's mouth. Then wait... When the gecko begins to lick the entrails of his/her lips hold the cricket nearby and almost always he/she will grab it instantly. Do this a few times and you will have geckos that dive on tong fed crickets whenever you go in the cage. No more removing old crickets, no worrying about whose eating how much, and no worrying about whether calcium/vitamin powders are being wiped off.

Satanics are some of the wildest geckos I've worked with. Keep them cool, hydrated and well fed and you will love them too.


Good luck!

Zach

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