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Geckos

Bauer’s chameleon gecko

Eurydactylodes agricolae

Photo: Eurydactylodes agricolae · Jokuyken15 · CC BY 4.0 · Changes and credits

These guides provide general husbandry information and do not replace veterinary assessment. If your animal shows symptoms or its condition worsens, contact a veterinarian experienced with exotic animals.

Care sheet sourcesReptiFiles — Eurydactylodes agricolae and E. vieillardi careBauer et al. — Revision and phylogeny of EurydactylodesHenkel & Böhme (2001) — Description of Eurydactylodes agricolaeJungle Reptiles — Eurydactylodes agricolae: lifespan referenceThe Reptile Database — Eurydactylodes agricolaeCDC — Reptiles and Amphibians: hygiene and cross-contaminationMerck Veterinary Manual — Management and Husbandry of Reptiles: quarantineAZA — Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide: quarantine
TemperaturesBasking branch 27–29 °C; cool air 21–24 °C; night 20–23 °C
Recommended enclosure≥45 × 45 × 60 cmone adultLength × depth × height
Humidity60–80%, rising at night with surfaces allowed to dry
Adult sizeBody up to approximately 6 cm, excluding the tail

Description

Eurydactylodes agricolae is a small arboreal New Caledonian gecko with olive-green skin and large irregular scales. The pale crease from its mouth corner reaches the ear, helping distinguish it from E. vieillardi. It uses its prehensile tail among understory twigs and possesses defensive tail glands.

LifespanLongevity is still under observation: the breeder gives 10–15 years or more for E. agricolae. This is a husbandry estimate, distinct from an individual record.

Behaviour

Observe individual responses; freezing and repeated flight may indicate distress.

Housing together

Keep one adult per enclosure. Prepare a second terrarium before breeding introductions and separate animals if chasing, biting or exclusion from resources occurs.

Enclosure and climate

Create a network of slender twigs and foliage with high and low supports and arboreal retreats. Keep warmth localised high up, with covered routes to cooler areas. Close gaps hatchlings could pass through without blocking ventilation.

Setup

Protect probes and equipment, check escape routes and shelter access and record day and night readings before introducing the animal.

Making height usable

Secure horizontal, sloping and vertical branches to the structure, using diameters that offer grip and supports suitable for adult weight. Connect them from the exposed lighting branch to the cool area, distributing supports across levels. Place hide entrances beside branches; add foliage along routes without blocking dishes, doors or vents.

Testing and access

Connect specified heat sources to compatible thermostats and guard against contact. Secure probes according to device instructions; measure air at resting sites and heated surfaces separately with independent instruments. In housing with water, also check water temperature and quality: one zone’s thermostat does not control the others.

With the complete enclosure running, record day and night readings and compare them with the sheet. Test doors, cable openings and cleaning access, keeping vents clear. Change one variable at a time and recheck after each adjustment.

Lighting and UVB

Low-level UVB with fully shaded retreats; measure exposure at animal height and prevent access to lamps.

Low-level UVB with fully shaded retreats; measure exposure at animal height and prevent access to lamps.

Humidity and ventilation

60–80%, rising at night with surfaces allowed to dry

Feeding

Alternate complete frugivorous gecko diet and small cultured insects. Place prepared food on an accessible branch-side ledge and remove it before spoilage.

Feeding frequency

Adults: insects and complete diet each 2–3 times weekly; juveniles: insects every other day and complete diet 2–3 times weekly. Adjust portions to weight.

Supplements

Use diet-appropriate calcium and multivitamins according to the label, coordinating D3 with UVB. Do not combine products without checking their composition.

Daily care

First days

Test climate and access before arrival. Monitor appetite, weight and shelter use with minimal disturbance and quarantine separately from established animals.

Cleaning

Keep animals and equipment away from kitchens and food areas, use tools dedicated to each enclosure and wash your hands with soap and running water after handling animals, food, tank water or furnishings. Quarantine new arrivals separately and agree the duration and checks with a veterinarian before introducing them to established animals.

Handling

Minimise transfers and support the body. Never grab the tail; prepare a secure container before moving the animal.

Checks

Monitor weight, appetite, droppings and skin condition; seek veterinary assessment for weight loss or difficulty moving.

Breeding

Females lay eggs in the substrate or sheltered sites. Provide an accessible moist laying area and monitor weight and calcium reserves. Maintain the identity of E. agricolae separately: do not pair it with E. vieillardi because of superficial similarity.

Females lay eggs in the substrate or sheltered sites. Provide an accessible moist laying area and monitor weight and calcium reserves. Maintain the identity of E. agricolae separately: do not pair it with E. vieillardi because of superficial similarity.