Gekko vittatus

Taxobox | name = Lined Gecko
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Sauria
familia = Gekkonidae
genus = "Gekko"
species = "G. vittatus"
binomial = "Gekko vittatus"
binomial_authority = Houttuyn, 1782

The Lined Gecko (also called Sago Gecko) "Gekko vittatus" (Formerly Geckko Vittatus) is a species of gecko.

Rearing

White-line Geckos (appropriately named for the white line running down the length of its back) are also commonly known as "skunk geckos". As with most arboreal (tree-dwelling) geckos, it is best not to handle these geckos frequently. Not only are they fast, their skin is sensitive and can be damaged easily. Children should only handle these geckos in the company of an adult. These geckos are excellent display reptiles for terrariums. Length is up to 7". Have the new terrarium completely set up before bringing your new friend home. Additionally, make sure your new family member is allowed enough time to adjust to its new home before any attempt to handle it.

Feeding: White-line geckos do well on a diet consisting of a variety of vitamin/calcium dusted insects such as crickets, mealworms and waxworms. These geckos will also accept fruit baby food, and prepared foods. Soft foods should be removed from the habitat 4-6 hours after it is offered to prevent spoilage. Adult white-line geckos should be fed 3-4 times per week, some juveniles can be fed twice daily during their growing period. A shallow water bowl should be provided and changed daily. Daily misting of the habitat will help maintain the humidity level.

Housing: Successful permanent maintenance requires at least a 25 gallon tall terrarium. A screen lid is essential for proper air exchange. The enclosure must include a basking area with several climbing branches, a suitable hiding area, and a "cool" area to allow for thermoregulation. Cork bark is an excellent item to use with all geckos. The bark can be "layered" to allow the gecko many hiding and foraging areas. Artificial and natural plants also help to create a natural look. When two or more geckos are desired, it is imperative that daily observations are made to avoid aggressive behavior. If aggression is noted, one or more reptiles may have to be permanently removed from the enclosure.

Ideal daytime temperature for white-line geckos should range between 75 and 85 degrees. Additionally, a basking lamp should be used on one end of the enclosure to maintain a local temperature of 85-95 degrees. Nighttime temperature should remain between 70 and 75 degrees. The humidity for white-line geckos should be maintained at 75 percent or higher. Most geckos require ultraviolet lighting to maintain good health. Although nocturnal (mainly active at night) geckos don't require ultraviolet lighting, if it is part of the habitat design, it is recommended for 12 hours per day. The use of a timer will assist in maintaining an accurate schedule of light periods.

Lifespan

The lifespan of the average White-Line Gecko is usually 3-4 years. However, if properly taken care of, they can live 6-10 years, perhaps longer.

Behavior

The White-Line Gecko, as a 'display' lizard, has a very bad temperament towards being held. Thus, they will try to bite handlers to get out of the grip. Their bites are strong, able to break the skin, making it a painful bite, this is due to being related to the Tokay Gecko, which have strong jaw muscles used to eat beetles and cockroaches in the wild.

Distribution

India, Indonesia (Java, Timor), New Guinea, Oceania;Belau, Admirality Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, Solomon Islands, Rennell;Bellona, Santa Cruz Islands.

References

* Bauer,A.M.; Günther,R. & Klipfel,M. 1995 The herpetological contributions of Wilhelm C.H. Peters (1815-1883). SSAR Facsimile Reprints in Herpetology, 714 pp.
* King,M. 1977 Chromosomal and morphometric variation in the gekko Diplodactylus vittatus (Gray). Austral. J. Zool. 25: 43-57
* Treu, B. 2001 Haltung und Zucht des Streifengeckos, Gekko vittatus Houttuyn 1782. Sauria 23 (4): 31-35

External links

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