Rhacodactylus auriculatus

Gargoyle Gecko

Small bumps behind the head suggest a miniature stone gargoyle.

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

Care commitment Specialist setup

Habitat Branches & cover

Visiting Watch quietly

Meet your new acquaintance

Nickname Little Gargoyle

Nocturnal; uses shrubs and lower branches

Species highlights

The little bumps behind the head

The gargoyle name recalls paired bony projections behind the head, not mammalian horns or proof of a horn-fighting behaviour.

Follow the profile from the eyes backward, then compare its stripes or blotches: shape and colour provide different kinds of information.

A memorable nickname starts the encounter. Watching the support points and side profile continues it, returning the architectural comparison to a living New Caledonian gecko.

Feature sources:

At a glance

Gargoyle geckos come from southern New Caledonia and use shrubs, low branches and space near the ground. They are mainly active at night. A single high perch does not represent their full habitat: landing surfaces, varied branches and cover should connect.

Shrub habitat includes fine twigs, larger supports and positions near the ground. “Arboreal” alone cannot replace records of actual height and vegetation use.

Animal and plant foods, egg-laying and changing body proportions belong to its life history. Compare structural support and head shape before treating stripes or blotches as a static colour collection.

Common names Gargoyle Gecko

Scientific name Rhacodactylus auriculatus

Native rangeSouthern New Caledonia

Adult sizeOften about 18–22 cm total length

ActivityNocturnal; uses shrubs and lower branches

Diet Use a complete diet suitable for gargoyle geckos with appropriately sized, gut-loaded insects. Plain fruit puree is not a complete food; adjust portions to growth and condition.

Habitat & care

Provide branches at several levels, cover, airflow and secure ground refuges. Similar-sized geckos should not automatically be housed together.

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 28–29°C Cool air 21–24°C; night 18–22°C. The warm area must be optional; never hold the whole enclosure near 29°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.

Space45×45×90 cm Recommended starting size for one adult; connect foliage and make feeding ledges easy to find.

Look a little closer

Look from the side for the paired projections behind the eyes and compare the outline with a crested gecko. Follow one stripe or patch across the shoulder, then watch toe contact and the transfer of body weight between supports during a step.

Care note: Plan independent shelter and space instead of assuming compatibility.

About this profile

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

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

References (5)

Photo: Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Al-GargoyleRS_01.jpg Attribution · 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.