Mossy Leaf Tail Gecko (Uroplatus sikorae )

Common Name: Mossy Leaf-tailed Gecko
Scientific Name: Uroplatus sikorae
Source (Captive bred / Wild caught / Farm bred / Unknown): Unknown/Not provided

Adult Size: 15-20 cm total length
Native Range: Madagascar (humid forests, especially eastern/northern regions)

Enclosure: Tall, well-ventilated arboreal vivarium; minimum ~45 × 45 × 60 cm for one adult, with dense branches/vines and cover
Heating: Gentle basking area 27-29 °C; average air 22-25 °C; cool zones 20-22 °C; night drop 18–20 °C

Humidity: 70-75% by day, 80-85% at night with strong airflow to prevent stagnant, damp conditions

UVB: Target UVI 1.0-2.0 at the upper perches

Diet: Live insects (crickets, roaches, moths/locusts, etc.); juveniles daily, adults every other day, fed in the evening

Water: Mist daily (also supports drinking); provide a small, clean water cup/bowl as backup

ABOUT THIS SPECIES

The mossy leaf-tailed gecko is Madagascar’s camouflage specialist: a flat body, leaf-like tail, and ragged skin fringes let it vanish against lichen and bark. By day it typically rests motionless on trunks and branches, then becomes active at dusk and through the night, hunting insects from elevated perches.

This is a true arboreal species that benefits from vertical space, lots of climbing structure, and a stable, cooler forest-style temperature gradient. Their eyes are built for low light, and they’ll often choose shaded, sheltered spots even when the enclosure is well-lit. Colour and pattern vary between individuals, but the “mossy” greens, greys and browns are the hallmark look that makes Uroplatus sikorae so distinctive.