Eurydactylodes agricolae

Agricola's Chameleon Gecko

Small toes wrap around a twig as the body follows its line.

Reference photo, not the individual on display. Credits appear below.

Care commitment Specialist setup

Habitat Ground & cover

Visiting Watch quietly

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Twig Traveller

Arboreal; may move slowly through foliage

Fine scales and a branch-hugging posture reward a closer look. The way the limbs and tail work together says more than its common name.

Species stories

Translating a surname into a scientific name

The name agricolae honours Aaron Bauer through translation: German Bauer means farmer, linked to Latin agricola.

It does not establish a farmland habitat. Scientific names may refer to shape, place or a person, and the original explanation tells us which story applies.

Returning from the letters to its fine scales and slow twig movements joins research history with the animal’s own life. The name becomes readable without being mistaken for an ecological instruction.

Story sources:

The Reptile Database · Eurydactylodes agricolae

At a glance

Here the chameleon gecko is Eurydactylodes agricolae, a small branch-dwelling gecko from New Caledonia. It uses narrow twigs and leaf stems. During slow movement, alternating support from limbs and tail explains its lifestyle better than a crocodile- or chameleon-like nickname.

A twig or leaf stem is a route at this scale. Slow movement reveals successive foot contact, body transfer and tail adjustment.

Animal and plant foods, egg-laying and scale texture complete the picture. A chameleon-like name does not change its gecko identity, and colour change is not unlimited background matching. Similar species require structural and provenance checks.

Common names Agricola's Chameleon Gecko; Eurydactylodes agricolae

Scientific name Eurydactylodes agricolae

Native rangeNew Caledonia

Adult sizeAbout 10–14 cm total length

ActivityArboreal; may move slowly through foliage

Diet Offer a suitable complete New Caledonian gecko diet with small, gut-loaded insects. Plain fruit puree is incomplete; check that the animal can find and actually eat the offered food.

Habitat & care

Use fine branches, leaves, secure ventilation openings and drinking opportunities. Avoid prolonged high temperatures.

Values guide routine care, not breeding or brumation. Dimensions are length × width × height for one adult unless stated otherwise; larger animals need more space.

TemperatureLocal warm area 27–29°C Cool air 21–24°C; night 20–23°C.

Humidity60–80% Measure mid-enclosure away from mist outlets; let leaves dry between mistings and maintain airflow.

LightingGentle light & shade Provide a light cycle and cover; assess lighting and supplementation together.

Space45×45×60 cm Recommended starting size; connect climbing routes at different heights, add cover and allow safe lamp clearance.

Look a little closer

Compare the larger head scales with finer body scales and inspect tail contact or coiling around a twig. Follow one foot through release, reach and renewed grasp. Slow movement makes the details of each grip especially easy to see.

Care note: Limit handling and pay close attention to hydration and tiny escape gaps.

About this profile

Size ranges are reference values; sex, origin and age affect appearance.

Profile status: Reference profile · Reviewed 2026-10-20

References (4)

Photo: Jokuyken15 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons，resized for display · Original image, credit and licence

Behaviour notes describe the species, not a promise about every individual. These care notes introduce its needs; ask our team about the animal on display and any supervised encounters.