Defining characteristics:

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

Name: Sphaerodactylus grandisquamis (FKA: Sphaerodactylus macrolepis). Their common name, the big-scaled least gecko, refers to the large overlapping scales on their back.

Recommended Enclosure Size: Adults should be kept alone or in pairs in a 8x8x12 glass enclosure or 12x12x12 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 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: Keep big-scaled least geckos between 75-80 F. 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. UV light requirement debated; if used, provide plenty of shade in enclosure.

Humidity: Keep big-scaled least 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 least 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 least 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. Sexed animals will be at least 4-5 months old.

Feeding: Big-scaled least geckos sold by Josh’s Frogs are fed pinhead crickets and ⅛-inch crickets. These juveniles can also be occasionally offered extra small black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit flies, and springtails. Adults should be fed a staple of  ⅛-inch crickets, but can also be offered black soldier fly larvae, melanogaster fruit, 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: Male big-scaled least geckos are easy to sex due to their yellow head and chin, which females do not exhibit. Please note sexed pairs are visually sexed based on head color. At the age they are sold, this is about 95% accurate. 

Color/Pattern: Big-scaled least geckos have a gray to light brown body and a yellow to orange tail, with dark brown to red dots running down the body. Juveniles and females may have two eyespots behind the neck, but sexually mature males may lack these. Most individuals have a couple of black markings on their head. Males have a yellow head and chin, which remains a light gray color in females.

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: The subspecies that we offer, ateles, is found in southwest Puerto Rico.

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 least gecko from Josh's Frogs is the right pet for you? Read the reviews below and see what other customers are saying!