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After covering the basic care requirements, let’s discuss how to successfully breed Eurydactylodesspp. First and foremost, it is important to determine the sex of your geckos. Mature males are easily distinguishable from mature females due to their prominent hemipenal bulge and waxy, often yellow, femoral pores. Females lack these features, as shown in the images below.
Sexing juvenile Eurydactylodesspp. can be more challenging, as they do not develop the bulge until maturity. Males can develop pores as early as 2-3 months old, and experienced keepers can usually determine their sex at this point using a loupe. However, things are not always as they seem, as females can also display pseudopores that look similar to male pores. A trained eye can tell the difference, but unfortunately, it takes experience to do so. Generally, female pseudopores do not have waxy-yellow extrusions coming out of the pores. Additionally, the pores are usually centered in a small diamond pattern, rather than all the way across the legs.
Diet
Successful breeding is heavily dependent on the diet of your breeders. As with most species, the more variety you can include in their diet, the better. While Eurydactylodesspp. can survive and reproduce on prepared gecko diets alone, they will thrive and be more prolific when offered live, gut-loaded insects a few times a week. We offer smaller sized crickets and dubia roach nymphs. We dust the insects with calcium with D3 powder every time we feed them, and we mix in a Herptivite multivitamin with the calcium once a month. In addition, we offer prepared gecko diet 2-3 times a week.
Seasons
Seasonal cues play a role in the breeding cycle of these geckos. Shorter days and cooler temperatures will “turn off” breeding and egg laying. Our gecko room falls to around 68-72 F during the winter months, which effectively signals to them that it is time for a break. Two to three months of cooler days and less than 12 hours of light is recommended as a rest period, after which you can resume normal temperature and light cycles to stimulate breeding behavior.
Pairing
These geckos breed readily when housed as pairs or trios. Having more than 2 females with the male seems to result in less breeding and egg laying. Only a single male should ever be housed with the female(s) to prevent fighting. The pairs or trios can be housed together year-round.
Having healthy, well-fed, and properly housed pairs or trios will result in successful breeding and egg laying.
Egg Laying Sites
Your egg laying container should be at least 4 inches deep, as Eurydactylodes like to bury their eggs fairly deep. We find that Gladware-type containers work well. Fill the container with a 50:50 mixture of peat moss and vermiculite, and make sure it stays damp but not soaking wet. Check for eggs regularly, as you can often see a dig spot. Both species are notorious for laying eggs outside of the lay box, but these are usually infertile eggs.
Eggs and Incubation
Once the eggs are laid, they should be removed and placed into an egg container with a moist, but not soaking wet, incubation medium. We prefer to use Pangea Hatch or vermiculite for the medium. The lid should be opened every 4-7 days to check on the eggs and refresh the air inside. We leave the container in our reptile room, which stays at 73-75 degrees, and the eggs typically hatch in 70-90 days.
Hatchling Care
Hatchlings should be cared for in the same way as adults, with a little more emphasis on ensuring they are misted regularly and heavily enough to allow ample time for them to drink the droplets of water. Dehydration is the most common cause of failure to thrive in these two species. That being said, keeping them too moist and without enough ventilation can also be detrimental, as it can lead to respiratory infections. Good airflow is essential and will allow the enclosure to dry out between mistings.
I’ve always been fascinated by the breeding process of reptiles, and Pangea Reptile LLC seems to be at the forefront of uncovering the secrets of breeding Eurydactylodes species. Can’t wait to learn more!