The Beaded Gecko (Lucasium damaeum) is a small, attractive and hardy ground-dwelling gecko from Australia's arid and semi-arid inland. Named for the chain of raised, bead-like scales along its back, it is a quiet, undemanding species that does well in a modest setup and is a good choice for anyone wanting a compact native gecko.
In Queensland a wildlife keeper's licence is required. See our Queensland Reptile Licence Guide before purchasing.
Enclosure
Beaded geckos are terrestrial and spend most of their time on or just below the ground surface. They do not need a large or tall enclosure. A floor area of around 30 x 20 cm is suitable for a single animal or a pair. Excessively large enclosures can cause stress in a small gecko that needs to feel secure.
Use a fine sandy loam or sand and soil mix substrate at least 3 to 5 cm deep so they can partially bury themselves and seek shelter beneath it. Add several ground-level hides such as flat bark pieces, upturned cork, or small rock stacks. These geckos are largely nocturnal and very secretive, so providing plenty of cover is important. Keep the cool end of the enclosure lightly moist, or provide a small humid hide, rather than misting the whole enclosure. The warm end should stay dry.
Secure the lid: despite their small size, beaded geckos can climb smooth vertical surfaces.
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Heating
Provide a gentle thermal gradient using a thermostatically controlled heat mat or heat tape under one end of the enclosure.
- Warm end: 28 to 30°C during the warmer months
- Cool end: 20 to 24°C
- In cooler months, temperatures can naturally drop to 15 to 20°C, which mirrors the seasonal conditions this species experiences in the wild. This seasonal cooling is acceptable and normal.
Always verify temperatures with a thermometer rather than relying on the thermostat dial alone. Browse our heating and thermostat range.
Lighting and UVB
Beaded geckos are nocturnal and do not require supplementary lighting or UVB. A natural day/night cycle through ambient room lighting is sufficient. If you choose to provide a low-intensity 2.0 UVB on a 10 to 12 hour cycle, this is not harmful and may offer some benefit. If you do not use UVB, ensure correct dietary calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation to prevent metabolic bone disease over time.
Feeding
Beaded geckos are insectivores. Offer a variety of appropriately sized live insects, keeping prey to around 60% of the gecko's head length to avoid impaction.
- Suitable prey: crickets, small woodies, small roaches, and the occasional small waxworm as a treat.
- Juveniles: every 2 to 4 days year-round.
- Adults: every 4 to 7 days in the warmer months, and every 7 to 10 days in cooler months when their activity naturally decreases.
Gut-load feeder insects for 24 to 48 hours before offering them so the gecko benefits from the insect's nutritional content. Dust insects with a calcium supplement at most feedings, and use a reptile multivitamin periodically. Provide a shallow water dish at all times; change it every couple of days.
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Handling and Temperament
Beaded geckos are best appreciated as display animals rather than regular handling geckos. They are secretive by nature and can stress easily with frequent handling. Handle gently and sparingly, always low over a soft surface, and never restrain or grab by the tail. Like most geckos, beaded geckos can drop their tail as a defence mechanism. The tail will regrow over several months but will never look quite the same.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Adult size | Up to 10 cm |
| Lifespan | 5 to 10+ years |
| Enclosure | 30 x 20 cm floor area minimum |
| Warm end | 28 to 30°C |
| Cool end | 20 to 24°C |
| Winter temps | 15 to 20°C acceptable |
| UVB | Not required, optional low-level |
| Feeding (juvenile) | Every 2 to 4 days |
| Feeding (adult) | Every 4 to 7 days (summer), 7 to 10 days (winter) |
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Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Individual animals vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Always consult a qualified reptile vet for health concerns. A Queensland wildlife keeper's licence is required to purchase and keep Beaded Geckos.
