The flying gecko, also known as the gliding gecko or parachute gecko, is a small, quirky and fascinating creature. The spry little reptile is called the flying gecko and have names related to flying because of its amazing ability to glide through tree to tree in the wild tropical rainforests of southeast Asia.
The flying geckos are not your common pets but these beautiful creatures have become relatively popular pets amongst the reptile lovers’ community.
Table of Contents
Flying Gecko Facts
- Experience level: Intermediate to Experienced
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Scientific name: Gekko Kuhli
- Other Names: Kuhl’s Flying Gecko, Gliding gecko, Kuhl’s Parachute Gecko
- Average adult size: 4-8 inches
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Clutch Size: 1-2 eggs
- Egg Incubation Period: 60-90 days
- Food: Variety of insects, crickets, and worms
- Average Temperature: 90°H/70°L
- Humidity: 60-80%
- UVB lighting: optional
- Average price range: $20 – $40
- Conservation Status: “Least Concern”
The Flying Gecko or Gliding Gecko (Scientific-Gekko Kuhli) is a unique, skittish, and timid reptile. It belongs to the Family Gekkonidae and Genus Gekko.
These little critters are native to Southeast Asian tropical rainforests, mostly coming from the Malaysian Peninsula, Indonesia, Thailand, Sumatra, and other surrounding areas and countries.
These little geckos’ main colors are generally brown with darker brown or black speckles, and their underbellies are usually lighter with a beige tone. Patterns vary greatly from lizard to lizard.
These little tree-dwellers are incredibly camouflaged and can blend in with their habitats. This trait helps them avoid predators.
The exact size actually varies. More often, flying geckos grow to about 4 to 8 inches from tongue to tail tip. And, these geckos feature prominent skin flaps along their sides, tail, and feet. These flaps help them camouflage and enable them to glide through their tropical environments.
Other than the flaps, the webbed feet and flattened tail help and allow them to glide around. Like many other gecko species, the flying geckos have microscopic hairs on their toes that can adhere to most surfaces, including glass.
Flying Gecko Care Sheet
Flying Gecko Habitat
Enclosure
It is not recommended to give your flying gecko room to glide unless you can provide a large natural outdoor enclosure, because they have been observed to hurt themselves by gliding into the walls of the enclosure.
For an adult flying gecko, a 15-gallon tank is the minimum size recommended, though you can give them a bit more. Exo Terra makes a good one. For two geckos, a 20-gallon would be an adequate size if you plan for some romantic breeding time.
Don’t put two males in an enclosure together.
One more thing to keep in mind when looking for an enclosure is, height is more important than length because they tend to spend little time on the ground.
Make sure they have plenty of places to climb since these critters love to spend most of their time above the ground. Provide fairly dense foliage throughout the cage.
Either live or fake plants will do and other things like rocks can be added to decorate. Make sure you have a sufficient amount of hiding spots around the enclosure’s foliage. Clean regularly, mist the cage twice a day and spot clean as needed.
Substrate
Because of humidity requirements, substrate that is absorbent is recommended. Substrate can simply be layers of paper towel, though peat moss or coconut fiber is most preferred.
More natural substrates like non-fertilized potting soil will also do. Replace substrate when needed. For options, check out Zoo Med Repti Bark. It lasts up to one year before you’d need to replace it.
Temperature
As with many reptiles, there should be a basking spot on one end of the enclosure and a cool side as well. The basking spot should be kept around 90 degrees and the cool side of the enclosure should range from 70-80 degrees. Some recommend using OMAYKEY Ceramic Heat Lamp.
Humidity
Flying Geckos require high humidity. Something like the this Reptile fogger is a great option.
Spray the enclosure twice daily with a spray bottle. Spray until the enclosure and decorations are dripping.
Keep it so because when thirsty, the gecko will drink the water droplets from the leaves and decorations. Humidity levels should be kept between 60%-80%.
Lighting
The flying gecko is a nocturnal reptile so it requires only one light bulb. There is no current study that suggests that this lizard requires UVB lighting.
Some reptile owners, however, prefer to provide UVB. Something such as the Lucky Herp UVA/UVB Mercury Vapor Bulb may be an option.
Flying Gecko Feeding
Like most small reptiles, flying geckos are insectivores. Their diets consist mainly of a variety of crickets, worms such as earthworms, mealworms, waxworms, hornworms, silkworms, and reptiworms. On some occasions, they are known to accept feeding on nightcrawlers.
Adults should be fed about 15 insects every three or so days. Young geckos should be fed between 5-10 insects until they are full every day.
Make sure geckos are getting needed nutrients by dusting food items on a weekly basis. Dust every other day for young hatchlings. Consider reptile multivitamins and calcium supplements like Flukers.
Place a small soaking dish for your flying gecko. Though the gecko will lick water droplets off of leaves when they get thirsty, the water dish is for soaking their skin in when they become too dry.
Temperament
Flying geckos are nocturnal and can be skittish. They are quite timid lizards. They may try to leap away from your hand whilst handling.
They are fast and are hard to catch. Don’t be surprised if the gecko hisses or snaps at you. However, if your gecko attempts to bite you, it is unlikely for the gecko to actually cause damage due to their small teeth.
Also, their skin is prone to tearing easily. So all things considered, handle your flying gecko sparingly and only when needed. Handling could cause undue stress for these skittish little creatures, so be careful when handling them.
Lifespan
Like the size, the flying gecko’s exact lifespan varies between each gecko, depending on their living conditions, diet, and health pattern. Wild flying geckos have been observed to live for 3 to 5 years but some in captivity have been known to live up to 8 and sometimes 10 years.
Common Health Concerns (Issues/Solutions)
As with most geckos, common health concerns are MBD, stress, and parasites. Make sure your flying gecko is fed enough nutrients and check for parasites. If anything is out of the ordinary, bring them to the vet to avoid any issues.
Pricing and Availability
Prices for these amazing creatures range between $20 to $50. Flying Geckos can be found at reptile expos and through major websites of online sellers.
Conservation/Threats
The flying gecko is currently listed as “Least Concern”.
Conclusion
For a beginner, caring for a flying gecko is not suggested. But if said novice is an attentive owner up for a challenge, then you can give these exotic creatures a go.
These geckos don’t need much for stimulation but make sure you have the right habitat for them, and you are all good to go.
The flying gecko is one exotic, majestic, and interesting little reptile. Though they are not quite affectionate and shy, they make for a really good display pet reptile.
Have you taken care of a flying gecko? Or, are you thinking of taking care of these gliding creatures? Let us know down below what you think.