Eurydactylodes vieillardi
Greeny
E vieillardi like Greeny are endemic to the islands of New Caledonia. These tiny "Chameleon geckos" require care similar to that of other New Calenonian species. Vieillardi are easily confused with other species in their genus - E occidentalis, E agricolae, and E symmetricus. Make sure you know which species you are buying if you plan to breed these geckos.
Greeny is a fan favorite among kids due to her calm and patient nature. She is a great "introductory" gecko for those who may be afraid of reptiles. Vieillardi are small, generally slow moving, and non-threatening. Greeny is exceptionally slow. She developed shedding issues as a new hatchling, resulting in the loss of some sticky pads on her toes. She is not confident in her ability to jump, climb, and cling, so she prefers to sit on a hand or shoulder. Greeny was aptly named by my daughter.
Interested in keeping a chameleon gecko? Below are general parameters for making your gecko comfortable.
Lifespan: 15 years
Cage Size: Minimum 10 gallon, vertically-oriented
Day/Night Hours: 12/12 OR 14/10 (Summer) to 10/14 (Winter)
Active times: Most active at night
Day temps: 70-75 F
Hot Spot: 82-85 F
Night temps: 65-72 F
Daytime humidity: 60%
Nighttime humidity: 80-100%
UVB: Low
Substrate: Organic topsoil or coconut fiber (or mix)
Diet: Meal Replacement Powders with insects for enrichment.
Decor: Arboreal - branches, cork tubes, plants.
Our setup: ExRe houses chameleon geckos individually in 10 gal/gecko minimum, vertically-oriented enclosures. These arboreal reptiles spend most of their time exploring cork bark tubes and branches or hiding among potted Pothos vines, spider plants, and other strategically-placed plants. Their enclosure floor consists of cocofiber substrate, a soaking/drinking bowl, and an isopod clean-up crew. Their enclsoures are heavily misted 2-4 times per week, depending on the season, to maintain a general humidity of around 70%. Temperatures range from 70F at the bottom of the enclosure to 85F at the top. They use the full range of their enclosures to regulate their temperature and hydration. A single puck light provides enough light for their plants and their day/night cycle. We do not use UVB with chameleon geckos, though they are closely monitored and receive Vitamin D supplementation. ExRe's vieillardi enjoy rotating flavors of Repashy MRP 2-3 times per week. Once every 2 weeks, they gets everyone's favorite flavor: Banana Cream Pie. Environmental enrichment is provided by adding vitamin- and mineral-dusted crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, waxworms, or silkworms to their diets. They also snack on any free-range fruit flies that may inhabit the gecko room!
