Geckos

Satanic leaf-tailed gecko

Uroplatus phantasticus

Photo: Uroplatus phantasticus 12893423 · Julien Renoult · 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 — Uroplatus species identification ReptiFiles — Uroplatus enclosure size by species ReptiFiles — Uroplatus lighting and species-specific temperatures ReptiFiles — Uroplatus species-specific humidity cycles Marushchak et al. (2022) — Uroplatus phantasticus: reproduction at BION Smithsonian — Uroplatus phantasticus The Reptile Database — Uroplatus phantasticus CDC — Reptiles and Amphibians: hygiene and cross-contamination Merck Veterinary Manual — Management and Husbandry of Reptiles: quarantine AZA — Amphibian Husbandry Resource Guide: quarantine

TemperaturesDaytime air 24–26 °C; night 18–22 °C. Do not use giant-species basking temperatures.

Recommended enclosure≥45 × 45 × 45 cmone adultLength × depth × height

Humidity75–80% by day; 90–100% at night, with ventilation and drainage

Adult sizeApproximately 8–10 cm including the tail

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

Description

Uroplatus phantasticus is a small gecko of eastern Madagascar’s forests. Its flattened tail mimics a dead leaf, with veins and irregular edges, while projections above the eyes accentuate its head profile. It rests camouflaged on shrubs and lower branches and emerges mainly at night to capture invertebrates.

LifespanLongevity is still under observation: the Smithsonian reports up to 15 years in human care as a zoo lifespan reference.

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

Build dense understory with slender twigs, leaves and retreats near ground level. Use humidity-retaining walls and cross ventilation; avoid all-screen enclosures. Provide accessible droplets and a shallow dish without waterlogging the floor.

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

75–80% by day; 90–100% at night, with ventilation and drainage

Feeding

Rotate well-fed cultured crickets and small roaches; remove uneaten prey and offer clean water in a shallow dish.

Feeding frequency

Adults: 2–3 meals weekly, adjusting portions to body condition; juveniles: smaller, more frequent meals.

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 leaf litter and sheltered moist laying sites. The BION study describes controlled introductions and dedicated incubation; its experimental cooling or drug treatments are not routine home care.