Geckos

Vieillard’s chameleon gecko

Eurydactylodes vieillardi

Photo: Eurydactylodes vieillardi · Michael Glaß · CC BY-SA 3.0 · 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 care Bauer et al. — Revision and phylogeny of Eurydactylodes Jesper Agner Arnö — Eurydactylodes vieillardi: veterinary care sheet Extant Relatives — Eurydactylodes vieillardi: lifespan reference The Reptile Database — Eurydactylodes vieillardi CDC — Reptiles and Amphibians: hygiene and cross-contamination Merck Veterinary Manual — Management and Husbandry of Reptiles: quarantine AZA — 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%; avoid keeping all vegetation permanently wet

Adult sizeBody up to approximately 6 cm, excluding the tail

These notices cover the cited provisions, not every possible national or local rule. Check additional requirements with the competent authority.

Description

Eurydactylodes vieillardi is a New Caledonian gecko with a slender body, rounded snout and prehensile tail. The slit behind the mouth remains separate from the one beneath the ear, unlike in E. agricolae. It lives in low vegetation, where green-brown colours conceal it; secretion from tail glands contributes to defence.

LifespanLongevity is still under observation: Extant Relatives gives 15 years for E. vieillardi. This is a husbandry reference, 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

Distribute small-diameter twigs, leaves and cavities between upper and lower levels. Keep feeding sites accessible and provide a fully shaded area. Mist in the evening and check droplet availability, surface drying and air exchange.

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.

Humidity and ventilation

60–80%; avoid keeping all vegetation permanently wet

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

Egg-laying species: provide a moist laying site and record E. vieillardi pairs separately. Introduce only adults in good condition with separation housing available; slow growth or egg laying do not justify early breeding.