The Beaked Gecko as it is known due to its slender, narrow snout which ends in a resemblance to a beak is found in various arid areas of the continent. This species is relatively common in its native range and can reach a snout to vent length of between 1&5/8″ to 2&1/2″ (45mm to 59mm) depending on the sex. The body is somewhat slender, with a relatively long tail which ends in a rather small ball shape.

In its endemic regions, it is known to mainly feed on termites which could be a reason behind the narrow beak-like snout that they possess. This species is not common in captivity as many breeders are deterred from keeping or studying them due to limited supplies of termites. I have found that they can easily be raised on other insect prey. If juveniles are obtained at a relatively young age, their first food source can be something similar to termites.
Rhynchoedura Ornata

In the past, I have received young Rhynchoedura Ornata juveniles that were a mere 30mm total length, and as their first food source, I offered cricket nymphs (pinhead crickets) as a substitute. The first number of feeds of cricket nymphs were dusted with a calcium powder to disguise or resemble termites. There was no need to scent the cricket nymphs with termites. The cricket nymphs were devoured quite vigorously, and the geckos themselves were not stressed by the abundance on offer.

As the juveniles grew, I continued to use cricket nymphs as the main food source but reduced the dusting and increased the size of the crickets. Eventually, they would readily eat crickets that were about four times the size of a pinhead. I have not noticed a reduction in weight gain or any odd behavior by feeding crickets and believe that if they are not used to naturally eating termites when juveniles then they know no difference. I believe there would be difficulties in trying to convert adult specimens onto crickets.
Rhynchoedura Ornata

This species is uniquely patterned and in most cases one of the more attractive terrestrial species around due to its pink/red colouration with patched markings along the body. Although they are a very small species, they seem rather active during both day and night hours when in a captive environment. Relatively easy to cater for in a 1-foot sized enclosure, with a small amount of sand substrate and a plastic or terracotta hide. Reasonable ambient temperatures of between 24–26 degrees will suffice with ¼ of the enclosure being heated from underneath using a 25W heat cord will give a temperature of 86°F (30°C) thus creating a perfect gradient. They enjoy receiving a light water spray once every two days and will readily drink droplets from the side of the enclosure.

This species is relatively easy to cater for, and unlike some other gecko species of a similar size like the Diplodactylus species does not have the ability to climb enclosure sides. When threatened Rhynchoedura Ornata does not make use of the run and hide routine but more or less has adopted a “play dead” drama show where they will lay still above the substrate floor when a hand enters their enclosure.

The female tends to be the larger of the sexes and can quite easily be noticed when gravid due to the large size of the eggs, which bulge quite prominently from her slender body. Eggs are laid between 19–25 days after copulation, however, this is dependant on the quantity of food made available. The incubation period is roughly between 55–65 days at 80°F (27°C).

All in all, Rhynchoedura Ornata is a wonderful little species to work with, but they should not be easily dismissed as a prominent termite feeder.

I will attempt similar feeding principles mentioned above regarding the non-feeding of termites later in the season on Diplodactylus Conspicillatus to see if similar success can be obtained.

The genus Oedura is made up of many various species found from one corner of the Australian continent to the other. They are plentiful in both cold and warm regions and have some of the most spectacular colors and patterns that I have ever seen in a gecko species. They come in relatively small sizes from your Oedura Coggeri which is classified as being the smallest of the Oedura genus to possibly Oedura Marmorata (WA form) which is closest to being the largest of the genus have the potential of reaching a total length of 7&1/2″ (190+ mm).

Oedura is generally a very hardy genus of geckos which grow vigorously and would be the perfect gecko for an individual wishing to start out in gecko keeping. Their needs are minimal, more or less a 2–2 ½ foot tank is suitable for an adult pair with the exception of terrestrial species of needing a mesh lid.

It seems that many people get scared off by many Oedura species, and that seems simply because they are arboreal. Realistically the only extra requirement is that of a mesh lid. They can also be easily housed in large plastic tubs with the lid requirement being easily rectified to suit by easily removing the center part of the lid and replacing that by soldering fly mesh to the outside.

Furnishing the interior with properly sterilized branches and either sand or coir peat substrate and the addition of a small water bowl and a moist hide to finalize the enclosure. Most Oedura species will readily eat prey in the form of roaches or crickets and can become quite obese if fed too much.

A typical ambient (room) temperature of between 72-78°F (22–26°C) will suffice with an extra added source of heating being provided on ¼ of the enclosure in the form of a heating cord to get a temperature up to 86°F (30°C) creates a perfect gradient. During winter months a gradual reduction in temperature is required with feeding kept to a minimum. I have found that UVA/UVB lighting is not required but can be beneficial with any reptile.

Oedura species can be very productive during a breeding season, generally from September to March, and it is not unusual for a young adult pair aged around two years to easily produce 3–5 clutches. It is not unusual for females to lay every four weeks during the season, so it is imperative to supply a small nesting site in the form of a garden pot or plastic container filled with moist coir peat or a sand mix included.
Oedura Monilis

Incubation of eggs will give you a period before hatching of between 60–70 days pending on the incubation temperature, generally between 80-82°F (27–28°C). Juveniles grow vigorously, and sex can easily be determined at between 8–12 months of age pending on your feeding regime.

All in all many of the species like Oedura Castelnaui, Oedura Marmorata, Oedura Coggeri, Oedura Monilis and various other species can easily be maintain and have more vivid color and patterning to their common terrestrial cousins. As is common with most gecko species over handling is not advised.

So next time you are thinking of gecko species do not disregard our arboreal favorites just because they require a lid as this can easily and inexpensively be catered for.

I find similar requirements as above for the Strophurus genus but with the added requirement of UVA/UVB generated from either spotlight or a fluorescent tube.