Temperature Based Gecko Sex Determination/Diapause

It is determined and not positively identified but there could be an embryonic diapause in the incubation of Cyrtodactylus Louisiadensis similar to that which is experienced with turtles. I have successfully hatched out a total of 15 juveniles in the past number of seasons and have experienced limited change to incubation periods, even with a variance of moisture and humidity, and also while attempting a cooling period during the incubation.

I still believe there is more research required on this subject but data collected indicated the average incubation period was between 140–150 days at 27 degrees whether a cooling period was offered or not. Candling of eggs gave a relatively good understanding that fully developed specimens were noted at 90 days during incubation. I perceive to investigate this further this season with my Ring Tailed Gecko colony and believe similar embryonic diapause maybe equal but not yet confirmed with the Black Mountain Gecko.

“Temperature Sex Based Determination” is a term used to describe the ratio of sexes produced in relation to the incubating temperature, with moisture and humidity possibly playing a valid point also. Many species have been noted, particularly Nephrurus Levis Levis where many breeders have noted a typical 1.1 sex relationship arising from a clutch. However last season I incubated at a set temperature of 27 degrees to which I produce out of 20 eggs a sex ratio of 3.17. This indicates once again that sex based determination may still be a factor to consider with this species and its subspecies.

I endeavour to investigate this with clutches of Chameleon Geckos and Black Mountain Geckos by use of various incubators operating at different temperatures (i.e. one at a high temperature, a second at a low temperature and finally a third incubator with a temperature set in between the first two). It is a rather exciting project to say the least.