Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am posting this because I saw some earlier threads where some folks have mentioned that they keep their Uroplatus in the dark. This is not a healthy practice for the lizards and will not help at all in breeding.

All Uroplatus benefit greatly from exposure to UVB and I encourage everyone keeping these geckos to allow their lizards to receive exposure.

I have maintained a group of Henkeli and Lineatus for almost 4 years and have noticed a pronounced difference in egg quality and size of endolymphatic glands in females after allowing them to bask. Also frequent exposure to UVB greatly improves the condition of the females and increases reproductive behavior.

While these are nocturnal lizards they do occupy daytime niches in the wild that receive at least some exposure to sunlight. I use a screened in enclosure in which I place my specimens on sunny days (and even cloudy days) that have mild temperatures (55-80F)or for brief periods in the morning during the summer. Crickets are the primary foodsource and calcium enriched crickets are provided weekly. While calcium from supplements may be taken into the body after eating a cricket, it may not be readilly absorbed or converted into the necessary components without exposure to UVB.

Occasionally gravid female henkeli basking in their screened in enclosure will turn their stomachs toward the sunlight and darken the pigmentation of their bellies. This is suggestive to the notion that they are trying to absorb as much light and warmth as possible.

Asides from the success I have been experiencing with my group the Dallas Zoo and Riverbanks Zoo have had phenomenal success in breeding Uroplatus (especially henkeli). Both of these institutions use indoor lighting (UVB), outdoor sunning enclosures, and calcium supplements. While I was at the Dallas Zoo there were 2nd generation henkeli being produced. In fact specimens that were not allowed sufficient exposure to UVB began to suffer from metabolic bone disease and poor health.

Simply put, you'll be amazed at how prolific species such as henkeli can be when provided for properly. From my view I am blown away that there are not more captive bred henkeli available. To me (based upon many post on this forum)there aren't that many people who are caring properly for their geckos. Of all the Uroplatus I believe henkeli to be the most prolific even to the point of ad-nauseum. It is also possible to have a female produce as many as 12 fertile clutches of eggs in a year.

Other species (such as those in the ebenaui complex) also require exposure to UVB. However due to their preference to another environmental niche the amount of needed exposure may vary.

Research your animals carefully beyond this forum or asking commercial dealers for their opinions. Most of these outlets only see their animals for a brief time before they send them out to customers. Afterall, telling someone to keep their geckos in the dark may also be nothing more than a sales ploy (why wouldn't someone want to get a lizard that didn't require light?). Also consider that most importers do not breed their animals. Many arrive gravid and eggs are thus received.

Instead call your local zoo and ask questions. They can undoubtedly provide a wealth of information for the ardent hobbyist. Also check out various clubs for information. The Global Gecko Association is an excellent organization with a great newsletter.

On another note, I just hatched out some henkeli who's mother made national news a couple of years ago. Anyone remember the infamous "gecko attack" that's been replayed on the blooper shows? Well after knocking over a sizable news anchorman I'm happy to say that she's still doing well.

Good luck with your Uroplatus. I have been fortunate to have worked with these lizards for 9 years and they never cease to amaze me.

Good Luck

Carl J. Franklin
Carl's Creepy Crawlies

ps. feed the geckos at least 5 days a week.

Click here for more information regarding Uroplatus henkeli

what type of light do you suggest
reptisun 2.0, 5.0 or 8.0 ???
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
1.2 Uroplatus Sikorae

A single Sylvania BL 350 used with a cool florescent or reptisun, but sunlight is my first choice and it's free.

I don't see any reason why someone would not buy the bulb with the highest UVB output.

Also remember that many of these bulbs will stop producing bioactive UVB at or within 6 months. Another possibility could be one of the bio active incandescent bulbs (placed far enough away from the top of the cage to prevent thermal burns). I know that Westron self ballasting Mervury Vapor lamps have been tested with chuckwallas and the results were good. But these do put off an incredible amount of heat and would only be suited for a really big enclosure.

Carl

Visit the attached link for more info.
Uroplatus henkeli info on this page

hi i was seeing do the need uvb at night to cause i have a bunch of satanics and once a week at night i turn off all the light and the rest of the nights i use the infrade red nightlight and feed them calcium as much as they need

There's no need for infra red night lights with phantasticus.
For the most part that is a waste of money and could cause additional stress to the animals. Correspond your light timers to your naturally occuring photoperiod. 12 hours light 12 hours dark 7 days a week 365 days a year is ideal.

Also there may be the chance of providing too much calcium. Remember these animals are now in captivity with most being taken from the wild. Several artifacts of captivity can arise that we don't or haven't considered.

In short you need to brush up on the basics regarding Uroplatus.
Once again the attached link can be of help.

Carl Franklin
Some basic Uroplatus information

Another thingt to consider is that most geckos will thrive if provided with the proper basics. Not the lavish, but the basic essentials. This is why a basic understanding of their natural history and ecology can be crucial towards making the right decisions for captive specimens.

Keeping things simple is often best.

Carl Franklin