The Siamese Leaf-Toed Gecko is a small Thailand species reaching a total length of 12cm. They are a nocturnal species, hiding away during the heat of the day under bark and in holes.
This is a small, slender gecko that reaches head to vent 5-6cm (2-2.4 inch) with a total length of 12cm (4.7 inch). Colour can vary from light brown to dark grey, some have irregular marks and spots that may vary from dark grey to a pale yellow. Some individuals can remain patternless, all have a pale underbelly. The skin looks smooth however small bumps are present. Unlike other species of geckos that have lamellae on the toes (allowing them to climb smooth surfaces) this gecko has paired toepads making it quite distinctive.
We have watched the Siamese Left-Toed Geckos stalking their prey by sneaking up on them. As they get ready to pounce, they arch their body like a snake would then within a blink of an eye, they have caught the insect. They also seem very calm and docile, however will run away to cover quickly if startled.
The Siamese Leaf-Toed Geckos are found throughout South-East Asia from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The ones we offer have been collected from a supplier of ours in Thailand. They inhabit a range of areas from forests to gardens in less-developed urban areas; hiding during the day under fallen wood and leaf litter.
These geckos can be housed in a wooden vivarium or glass terrarium depending if you want this to look natural with live plants or artificial décor. House a sexed pair in a minimum 2ft long enclosure, floor space is more important than height for this species.
The substrate should be made up like a forest floor – the use of bio-active substrate is ideal in glass tanks and the Zoo Med Forest Floor in wooden vivarium’s. Provide a humidity box filled with damp live moss, this will help when the gecko sheds its skin. Décor like cork bark, low branches and live or artificial plants should decorate the enclosure to give them plenty of enrichment.
Although these geckos are nocturnal, it is always best to provide a small amount of UVB lighting. It has been noted that some species will have part of a leg in the sun which is thought to absorb the UVB rays they require for healthy bone growth. We would recommend using a 5% UVB light with a reflector to direct all the rays down towards the animals.
In Thailand, daytime temperature generally reaches 33C (91.4F) however the Siamese Leaf-Toed Gecko hides away during this time under fallen wood. Therefore, we would recommend a basking area of no higher than 30C (86F) with an ambient air temperature of 26-28C (79-82.5F). Allow these temperatures to drop by around 5C during the night.
Fresh water should be provided in a shallow dish and changed daily or when soiled. They are keen hunters and will come out during the day to feed, however evening feeding is best to watch their natural behaviour. Feed a varied diet of insects such as small crickets, locusts and mini mealworms. Dust the food with a vitamin and mineral supplement twice a week and all other feeds with calcium.
