Skip to main content
Mourning Gecko© Blueag9 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Mourning Gecko

The mourning gecko is a small parthenogenetic gecko species in which females reproduce without mating, an unusual trait among reptiles. Reaching only about 7 to 10 cm as adults, they thrive in compact terrariums and have become increasingly popular in recent years. Mostly active at dusk and dawn as well as at night, they move nimbly across branches and leaves. Most individuals are calm and not easily startled, though they can leap suddenly when alarmed, so care should be taken when opening enclosure doors. As omnivores that eat both insects and prepared diets, feeding is relatively straightforward. With a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, they can be a long-term companion for reptile keepers.

View Mourning Gecko encyclopedia →
Limited Time Offer

0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 sales are commission-free!

Breeder Wanted!

List on BreederDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!

Free registrationNo monthly feesCommission on sales only
Register Now for Free

6 Transparency Promises from Br-Choku

Every Reptiles & Amphibians from verified Breeder breeders includes complete information: morph, genetics, feeding requirements, and temperament details.

  • Morph Information
  • Actual Photos
  • Feeding Information
  • Temperament Information
  • Genetics Information
  • Age (Months)
Browse all 280 breeds

Feeding Type

0 items

Verified breeders wanted for Reptiles & Amphibians

Breeders are signing up now ahead of launch. Subscribe to be notified when new listings go live.

Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.

Browse other categories

Verified breeders (preview)

Are you raising reptiles & amphibians?

Register as a breeder and connect with buyers directly.

Apply as a breeder

About Mourning Gecko

Mourning gecko: a tiny parthenogenetic gecko species. Beginner-friendly, 8-10 year lifespan, 7-10 cm adult size. Learn the essentials before bringing one home.

7 things to know before welcoming a Mourning Gecko

  1. 1Reproduces Without Mating

    Mourning geckos are parthenogenetic, meaning females can lay fertile eggs without a mate. If you keep more than one, eggs can appear without you noticing, so it helps to keep an eye on population growth.

  2. 2Tiny Size, Small Footprint

    As adults they measure only about 7 to 10 cm, so a compact terrarium is sufficient. Because they are so small, watch for any gaps they could squeeze through and escape.

  3. 3Active at Dusk and Dawn

    Mostly nocturnal, they are often most active around dusk and dawn. During the day they tend to rest in hiding spots, making them well suited to a quiet, low-disturbance keeping style.

  4. 4Can Leap Away When Startled

    While generally calm, they can leap away quickly if startled. Open enclosure doors slowly and be mindful of the risk of escape.

  5. 5Diet of Insects and Prepared Food

    They are omnivorous and will eat both insects and commercial prepared diets. Relying on prepared food can simplify feeding logistics and reduce day-to-day care demands.

  6. 6Needs Humidity and Climbing Space

    As an arboreal species, they need branches, leaves, or other climbing surfaces in their setup. Maintaining humidity through regular misting is also an important part of their care.

  7. 7A Long-Term Commitment

    With a lifespan of 8 to 10 years, they live longer than many small reptiles. Before bringing one home, consider whether you can provide consistent care for that length of time.

Frequently asked questions about Mourning Gecko

Q.Is the mourning gecko listed under CITES?
A.The mourning gecko is not listed under CITES.
Q.Do I need a male and female pair to breed them?
A.No, mourning geckos reproduce through parthenogenesis, so females can lay fertile eggs on their own. There are no males in this species, and even a single female may produce eggs.
Q.Is the mourning gecko suitable for beginners?
A.Yes, this species is generally considered beginner-friendly. That said, being very small, they do require proper humidity control and a climbable enclosure layout, so it's worth preparing the setup in advance.
Q.How long do mourning geckos typically live?
A.Their typical lifespan is around 8 to 10 years. Despite their small size, it's best to plan for long-term care when deciding to keep one.
Q.What should I feed a mourning gecko?
A.They are omnivorous and eat both insects and commercial prepared diets. Using prepared food can make feeding easier to manage.

Useful tools for Mourning Gecko care

🦎Reptile Temperature CalculatorView basking, cool-side, night temps, humidity & UVB requirements by species🧬Morph Genetics CalculatorCalculate morph breeding outcomes for leopard geckos & ball pythons📅Breeding CalendarVisual monthly breeding season guide for each species🍽️Feeding GuideCheck feeding frequency, portion sizes & supplements by species and growth stage🗓️Seasonal Care CalendarMonthly care events and seasonal management tips at a glanceElectricity Cost SimulatorCalculate monthly and annual electricity costs for care equipment with presets🧬Breeding PlannerSelect parent varieties to view breeding schedules and offspring patterns🧮Care Cost SimulatorEstimate initial, monthly & annual costs by category, care level and quantity⚖️Species Comparison ToolCompare two species side by side: care difficulty, size, lifespan & temperature🎯Pet Match DiagnosticAnswer 7 questions to find your top 3 perfect pets📋Lifetime Cost SimulatorEstimate lifespan and lifetime costs by species for dogs, cats, reptiles and more🚚Transport Safety CheckerCheck transport safety score and precautions by category, season, method and distance🏠Multi-Pet Budget PlannerPlan budget for multiple pets with shared and individual cost breakdown💊Medication Dosage CalculatorCalculate proper medication dosage by body weight and medicine type for fish, reptiles, and small animals⏱️Quarantine & Acclimation TimerManage quarantine periods and acclimation steps with countdown timers. Includes recommended durations by species

Learn more about Mourning Gecko in the encyclopedia

View Mourning Gecko encyclopedia entry →

Care difficulty, lifespan, size and diet — all basics covered.

More in this category

Can't find the one you're looking for?

Post your wishes for free and breeders with matching animals will contact you with introductions.