Caring for Scorpion Tailed Geckos (Pristurus carteri)

Scorpion-tailed geckos are small, fast-moving desert reptiles known for their unique curled “scorpion-like” tail and active daytime behavior. Unlike tropical geckos, they thrive in dry, arid environments and display fascinating social interactions when kept in small groups.

Habitat Requirements

Creating a suitable desert environment for your Scorpion-Tailed Gecko is essential for its well-being. Consider the following:

Enclosure Size

A minimum of 20 gallons is recommended for a pair or small group. A longer enclosure is preferable over tall, as these geckos are terrestrial and active runners. They do enjoy climbing areas for perching and looking over their surrounding. Make sure the perches have lots of texture as they can be fairly clumsy when dashing up and down their perches.

Temperature

Maintain a temperature range of 75–85°F during the day, with a basking spot of 90–95°F.Night temperatures can safely drop to 65–72°F, which helps mimic their natural desert environment.

Humidity

Scorpion-tailed geckos prefer low humidity (20–40%).

• Use dry, sandy or rocky substrates

• Avoid frequent misting

  • misting 1-2 times a week in the morning will simulate the morning dew that appears occasionally where they are from. They will lick up droplets but the do use water dishes and misting too ofter can increase humidity to undesirable levels.

• Provide a small humid hide with sphagnum moss to aid in shedding

• A small shallow water dish should always be available.

Substrate and Environment

Use a desert-style substrate mix such as:

• Sand/soil mix

• Excavator clay

• Packed naturalistic desert substrate

Include:

• Rocks and flat stones for basking

• Cork bark or rock hides

• Sparse branches (low climbing, mostly for enrichment)

Plants and Visual Barriers

Include natural décor to create structure and security:

• Dry-tolerant plants (real or artificial)

• Rock piles and crevices

• Visual barriers to reduce stress in group settings

These geckos are social but still benefit from line-of-sight breaks to prevent dominance issues.

Diet and Feeding

Feeding your Scorpion-Tailed Gecko a varied insect-based diet is crucial for its health. Here are some feeding tips:

Insects

Offer small, appropriately sized prey such as:

• Pinhead to small crickets

• Fruit flies

• Small roaches

They are active hunters and will readily chase live prey.

Feeding Frequency

Feed daily for juveniles and every other day for adults.

Supplementation

Dust insects regularly with:

• Calcium (most feedings)

• Multivitamin (1–2 times per week)

Fruits/Pangea Mixes

Handling and Socialization

Scorpion-tailed geckos can vary from individual to individual. Some of my Scorpion Tails will perch on to my finger by just placing my finger in front of them and gently pushing into their chest; much like how you would have a parrot or other bird step up on to your finger. Others are: fast, delicate, and not suited for handling. and are best enjoyed as an active display species.

Gentle Approach

Move slowly around the enclosure to avoid startling them. They are highly alert and will quickly dart for cover.

Limit Handling

Handling should be avoided unless necessary (cleaning, health checks), as they can:

• Drop their tails

• Become stressed easily

• Escape quickly due to speed

Socialization

These geckos can be kept in small groups (1 male to multiple females) with proper space and visual barriers.

Spending time near the enclosure helps them:

• Recognize feeding routines

• Become more comfortable with your presence

Quick Care Summary

• Environment: Arid/desert

• Humidity: 20–40%

• Temps: 75–85°F ambient, 90–95°F basking

• Diet: Insect-based; We use appropriate sized crickets as the base then fruit flies, blue bottle flies and bean beatles as supplemental treats.

• Handling: Minimal (some individuals are more apt to handling)

• Best Feature: Active, social, daytime behavior