Rhacodactylus Auriculatus
Common Name: Gargoyle Gecko
 Size:
Up to 4.5 inches SVL (125mm), about 8 inches total length.
Adults weigh around 40 grams, which is our target weight for
breeding this species. Large individuals can weigh as
much as 55 grams.
Distribution:
This species only occurs on the southern third of Grand
Terre, the largest island of New Caledonia.
Description:
The gargoyle gecko is the second most readily available
New Caledonian gecko. This gecko was actually the
first Rhacodactylus to be produced in significant numbers by
hobbyists. Animals captive bred by German
herpetoculturists first became available in the U.S. in the
mid 1980's.
Considering how attractive and easy they are
to breed, it is surprising that the gargoyle gecko has not
achieved even greater popularity. Because they will come
out and bask during the day, gargoyles make better display
animals than most geckos. Gargoyles are one of the best
pet geckos, up there with leopards and cresteds.
 Sexing:
Like the cresteds, gargoyles are difficult to sex when they are
young. Adult males are easily distinguished by their
rounded hemipenile bulge and enlarged cloacal spurs.
However, even females have a rounded tail base which can be
cause for confusion when sexing this species. An 8x
photographer's loupe can help confirm the sex of half grown to
adult specimens. Males have up to five rows of preanal
pores versus none or up to three rows of pseudopores in females.
Habitat:
This semi-arboreal species is found both in scrub habitat and
along clearings in primary forest. Gargoyle geckos are
generally found on the lower levels of tree trunks. This species
is found closer to the ground than any other species of
Rhacodactylus.
Longevity:
Gargoyles are potentially long lived and captive specimens can
live for 15 or more years in captivity.
Temperature:
This species can be maintained at 25-28°C (77-82°F) during the
day and 22-24°C (72-75°F) at night. Gravid females should be
exposed to a hot spot that reaches 29°C (85°F) during the
breeding season.
Food:
R. auriculatus will thrive on the same dietary regime as other
Rhacodactylus but relish more insects in their diet. We
generally offer dusted crickets twice a week and Clark's Gecko
Diet once per week.
Captive Environment:
An adult pair can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium with a screen
lid. Since we have a relatively large collection of geckos, we
keep this species in a simple set-up for ease of cleaning. I use
paper towels as the substrate, and I mist the cage every other
evening. For naturalistic set-ups, one can use peat, coconut
fiber, or soil at a suitable depth. There are large pieces of
cork bark for climbing, inverted plastic catch basins for
shelter, a large nestbox with moist coconut fiber (not needed if
a deep substrate is available), and a small water dish. Live
plants make great additions to any gargoyle set-up.
 Breeding:
Prior to the breeding season, I drop the temperature in the
enclosure to 20-22°C (68-72°F) during the day and 18°C (65°F) at
night for a couple of months. Also, reducing the photoperiod
according to the natural photoperiod further conditions this
species for the breeding season. Breeding usually occurs from
March to September. Female R. Auriculatus produce two
soft-shelled eggs every 4-8 weeks. They will lay about 4-5
clutches in a season.
Incubation:
The eggs should be incubated in a container with moist
vermiculite or perlite. At a temperature of 26-28°C (78-82°F),
the eggs should hatch in 55 to 70 days.
Juveniles:
I keep all of the juveniles singly until they reach sexual
maturity. I keep them in “Kritter Keepers” with a paper towel
substrate. There are pieces of cork bark for climbing, an
inverted plastic catch basin for shelter, and a small water
dish. The cage is misted every other day.
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