Defining Characteristics:

• Diurnal
• Easy to keep
• Unique patterns and colors
• Small size = less expensive setup

Name: Sphaerodactylus macrolepis. Their common name, the big-scaled dwarf gecko, refers to the large overlapping scales on their back.

Recommended Enclosure Size & Setup: Adults should be kept alone or in pairs in a 12x12x12 or 12x12x18 enclosure. Because this species does not grow very large, upgrading adults to a larger enclosure is usually unnecessary. Coco fiber-based substrates or sand-soil substrates work well. A bioactive substrate can be made with BioBedding, springtails, and isopods. Keep the substrate slightly moist. A layer of leaf litter should be added on top of the substrate. 

Hides should be provided; cork bark and similar items work well. Climbing materials like rocks, driftwood, cork bark, and manzanita branches can be provided. Live plants are also a welcome addition.

Temperature (°F) & Lighting: Keep big-scaled dwarf geckos between 75-80°. A heat source is not necessary if stable temperatures are maintained. If a heat source is provided, use a low wattage heat pad or bulb to prevent overheating. Temperature should be monitored with a digital thermometer. Night temperatures should not fall below 65°F.

Ferguson Zone 1 levels of UV light should be provided for your gecko. The Exo Terra TerraSky Spot Light or VivTech First Call SurSun work well, paired with Josh's Frogs Green Gro LED Light Fixture (12 inch, 18 Watt) which is excellent for plant growth!   Be sure to offer plenty of shade in the enclosure to avoid overexposure. 

Measure UV levels with the Josh's Frogs Model 6.5R Reptile UV Index Meter!

Humidity: Keep big-scaled dwarf geckos at around 55-65% humidity. Plants can be added to provide humid microclimates. Ambient humidity should be monitored with a digital hygrometer. Big-scaled dwarf geckos should be lightly misted daily or every other day provide dew on enclosure walls and cage items from which they can drink, but enough ventilation should be provided to allow the enclosure to dry out after a few hours. A shallow water dish can be provided but is not necessary with regular misting.

Size: Hatchlings measure around over an inch. Adults will reach around a 2.5-2.7 inches from head to tail.

Age: Big-scaled dwarf geckos are at least 4 weeks old when sold by Josh’s Frogs. It is estimated that these geckos live for 10-20 years in captivity.

Feeding: Big-scaled dwarf geckos sold by Josh’s Frogs are fed pinhead crickets and 1/8 inch crickets. These juveniles can also occasionally be offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, and springtails. Adults should be fed a staple of 1/8 inch crickets, but can also be offered black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, dwarf white isopods, and bean beetles.

All feeder insects should be gutloaded and dusted with vitamin/mineral supplements, and can be offered in a food dish.

Sexing: This species displays sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have notable physical differences. They can be sexed visually by their coloration and markings. Males have a distinctively colored head—ranging from blue to brownish-orange—with minimal patterning and no gular ring. Females lack head coloration but display a bold canthal line from the snout to the neck. In mature males, small hemipenal bulges may also be visible at the base of the tail.

Color/Pattern: The big-scaled dwarf gecko is known for its overlapping, imbricate scales on the back. On the throat (gular region), the scales are keeled, but as they extend down the body, they gradually become smooth around the belly and tail areas. In addition to having physical differences between the sexes, this species is also sexually dichromatic, meaning males and females display different colors. Males tend to have fewer patterns, lack gular rings, and feature a colored head that varies in shade, ranging from blue to brownish-orange. Females, on the other hand, never develop head coloration like the males, but instead have unique features such as a canthal stripe that runs from the snout to the neck.

Social Behavior: This species is best kept alone or in a single pair.

Breeding: A light brumation period in the winter or longer days in the summer will help incite breeding. Females lay single eggs every 3-4 weeks in a secure area, and will often make use of strategically placed egg-laying tubes. Eggs hatch after 60-100 days depending on incubation temperatures.

Natural Range: These geckos are endemic to various islands in the Caribbean such as Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Their specific microhabitats are in beach vegetation and rain forest floors.

History in the Hobby: Despite being not too difficult to keep and breed, captive-bred individuals are not often readily available. We’re excited to make this micro gecko more popular and available!

Links of Interest: 

• Dwarf Geckos Care Sheet - An excellent resource on Sphaerodactylus macrolepis from the Dwarf Geckos website.

Still not sure if the big-scaled dwarf gecko from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!