Bynoe’s Gecko Care
Bynoe’s Gecko
(Heteronotia binoei)
The Bynoe’s Gecko is a small, hardy species native to Australia, found across a wide range of arid and semi-arid habitats. This terrestrial gecko is known for its adaptability and nocturnal lifestyle, emerging at night to hunt small insects. Adults typically reach 3–4 inches in total length, making them one of the smaller gecko species commonly kept in captivity. They exhibit a range of colors and patterns depending on locality, from light tan to reddish brown, often with faint banding or speckling that helps them blend into their desert surroundings.
Lifespan:
Up to 6–10 years in captivity with proper care.
Sexing:
All Bynoe’s Geckos are female, and reproduce via Parthenogenesis; a form of reproduction where a female can reproduce without the need of a male.
Enclosure:
Juveniles: 10-gallon terrarium (20” x 10” x 12”).
Adults: 20-gallon long terrarium (30” x 12” x 12”) for a pair or single adult.
Provide a horizontal-style enclosure with multiple hides, rocks, and pieces of cork bark to mimic their natural environment.
Substrate:
Use a loose, arid substrate mix that mimics their desert habitat — a blend of sand, clay, and topsoil works best. This helps regulate humidity and allows for natural digging behavior. Paper towels can be used temporarily for juveniles or during quarantine.
Lighting & Temperature:
Basking Spot: 90-95°F
Ambient Range: 80-85°F
Nighttime Drop: 70-75°F
UVB: The use of a 5.0% UVB bulb is required for this species,
Humidity:
Maintain low to moderate humidity (30–40%), with a light misting in the evening to simulate natural dew. Ensure one hide remains slightly moist to aid shedding.
Food:
Bynoe’s Geckos are insectivorous. Offer a variety of small, gut-loaded insects such as crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and occasional waxworms. Feed juveniles daily and adults every other day. Dust insects with calcium and multivitamin supplements as part of a rotation schedule.
Water:
Provide a shallow dish of fresh, dechlorinated water at all times. Light evening misting helps with hydration and humidity balance.
Supplementation:
Calcium without D3: Dust food 3-4 times weekly.
Calcium with D3: Use once a week if adequate UVB lighting is provided.
Multivitamins with D3: Offer once monthly in place of the Calcium with D3 to support overall health.
Bynoe’s Geckos are resilient, low-maintenance, and fascinating to watch, especially at night. Their small size and hardy nature make them excellent pets for beginners or those interested in keeping an active, desert-dwelling gecko species without complex care requirements.
Looking to bring home a Bynoe’s Gecko in Frederick, Maryland?
Visit Critters, Reptiles & Exotics to explore our selection of healthy, captive-bred reptiles and expert guidance on proper care. Whether you’re in Frederick County or nearby areas, our team is here to help you discover the perfect addition to your collection — because there’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!