
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gekko vittatus
An arboreal gecko ranging from eastern Indonesia to the Solomon Islands, with a single white line running from the nape to the base of the tail over a brown body. It reaches 23-25 cm and is a medium-sized nocturnal species.
Gekko vittatus is an arboreal gecko of the rainforests from eastern Indonesia through New Guinea to the Solomon Islands. The specific name vittatus is Latin for banded, after the single white line running from the nape to the base of the tail; that stripe also earned it the English name skunk gecko. It reaches 23-25 cm. Nocturnal, it hides under bark or leaves by day and hunts insects at night. Wild animals live about three to five years, but captives reach seven to ten years and well-kept individuals have exceeded 15. It is a Ferguson Zone 1 crepuscular or shade-dwelling species and does not require strong UVB.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The White-Lined Gecko lives 7-10 years in captivity, with records of over 15 years.
The White-Lined Gecko grows to 23-25cm.
Origin
Indonesia (Halmahera and Morotai), Papua New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, in tropical rainforest
Lifespan
7-10 years in captivity, with records of over 15 years
Size
23-25cm
Humidity
70〜80%
Sources: Reptiles Magazine: Skunk Gecko Care Sheet / Reptile Database
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Gekko vittatus Houttuyn, 1782
Synonyms: Gecko trachylaemus Peters, 1873, Gekko vittatus Wermuth, 1965
Authority databases: Reptile Database
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Not listed in the appendices of the Washington Convention. It does not fall under the specific animals listed in the Order for Enforcement of the Law Concerning the Protection and Management of Animals, nor is it designated as an invasive alien species.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (list of designated animals)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects, plus fruit-based gel diets
Aim for 29-32 C by day and 24 C at night, with humidity held at 70-80%. It is a Ferguson Zone 1 animal, so keep the UV index at the basking site between 0 and 0.7, with a maximum zone of 0.6-1.4, and mount the UVB lamp about 20 cm above it.
As an arboreal species it needs a tall enclosure; a heat lamp above a mesh lid creates a useful vertical gradient. Add cork bark and live plants so it has places to hide during the day.
Insects such as crickets and dubia roaches are the staple, gut-loaded and dusted with calcium. Fruit-based gel diets can be offered alongside them.
Nervous and fast-moving, it is not a gecko for handling: attempts to grab it may end in a bite or a dropped tail, so keep it as a display animal.
Not listed on any CITES appendix and not among Japan's designated dangerous animals. Wild-caught animals still enter the trade, so on acquisition check the skin and mouth carefully and have a faecal screen done.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of White-Lined Gecko is 7-10 years in captivity, with records of over 15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
White-Lined Gecko typically reaches 23-25cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
White-Lined Gecko feeds on: Crickets, dubia roaches and other insects, plus fruit-based gel diets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of White-Lined Gecko varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026