Paroedura picta

Terrestrial terrarium (floor area is the priority)

45x30x30 cm is a minimum for a single adult; rather plan on 60 cm of length for a pair or a trio (1 male maximum, males fight). It is the floor area that matters, height is secondary. Provide multiple ground-level hides, bark, a few low branches (the species climbs a little) and at least one humid hide, which is essential. A well-sealed lid: this gecko is fast and escapes easily.

An overall dry to moderate environment (40-60 %). The key element is a humid hide (moistened moss/coconut fibre) kept permanently for shedding and egg-laying. A light misting in the evening is enough; avoid stagnant humidity and insufficient ventilation.

Avoid pure fine sand and ingestible calcareous substrates (impaction risk), especially in juveniles. A slightly moistenable earthy mix lets females dig to lay eggs.

Not strictly essential as it is a nocturnal species, but low-intensity UVB (5-6 % tube, UV index 1-2) provides real benefits for calcium metabolism, especially in breeding females. If no UVB is provided, D3 supplementation becomes mandatory. Always provide a hide allowing escape from the UV.

A dish of fresh, clean water available at all times, renewed regularly. A light misting in the evening aids hydration and shedding; some individuals drink mainly the droplets.

Southern and south-western Madagascar, in dry deciduous forests and semi-arid areas. A species very widely bred in captivity (common captive-bred stock); not listed under CITES and not protected at EU level. Captive-bred specimens are strongly recommended over wild-caught ones.

Insectivore — Crickets, roaches (Blaptica dubia, Shelfordella), mealworms and earthworms occasionally; wax moth as a rare treat. Prey smaller than the space between the gecko's eyes.

A voracious appetite and an active hunter. Feed juveniles daily, adults every 2 to 3 days. Dust the prey with calcium (with or without D3 depending on UVB) at almost every meal, and with a multivitamin supplement once a week. Leave a dish of pure calcium available at all times, especially for breeding females. Watch for obesity in overfed adults.

Clutch 2–2 eggs/young. An extremely prolific species: a clutch of 2 eggs (sometimes 1) every 10 to 14 days during the season, over long periods. Incubation at around 26-29 C for about 50 to 70 days; the incubation temperature influences the sex of the juveniles. This high laying rate depletes calcium reserves: intensive calcium supplementation is mandatory and reproductive rest periods are necessary to preserve the female.

• Metabolic bone disease (MBD) / hypocalcaemia, very common in breeding females due to repeated egg-laying
• Egg retention (dystocia) for want of a suitable laying site or through calcium depletion
• Reproductive exhaustion and weight loss in females laying continuously
• Difficult shedding (dysecdysis), particularly on the toes and tail, in the absence of a humid hide
• Intestinal blockage (impaction) on unsuitable substrate or from prey that is too large