Uroplatus henkeli, or the "Henkel's Leaf-Tailed Gecko", is one of many amazing Malagasy leaf-tail species. During the day, they lie flat against tree bark and branches. Their flat-bodies, flat tails, and fringed edges hide all contours that would otherwise make them visible. If you like to play hide-and-seek, this gecko will give you a good challenge!

 

Dracul prefers to be left alone, and he makes this desire known. Not shy to draw blood from human fingers, Dracul is named after Brahm Stoker's infamous character. He joined our family in 2016. While he came to us as "captive bred", we have some doubts. He has thrived in his set-up, and we hope to introduce him to a female in the near future. Dracul is lots of fun to watch, whether he is aggressively chomping insects or threatening us by puffing up and showing off his massive maw. 

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Interested in keeping a Henkel's leaf-tail? Below are general parameters for making your gecko comfortable. For more information, Extant Relatives recommends Reptifile's detailed care sheets.

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Lifespan: 10 years

Cage Size: Minimum 18" x 18" x 36" (High rather than wide)

Day/Night Hours: 12/12 OR 14/10 (Summer) to 10/14 (Winter)

Active times: Most active at night

Day temps: 75-80 F

Hot Spot: 90 F

Night temps: 70 F

Daytime humidity: 60%

Nighttime humidity: 80%

UVB: Low

Substrate: Organic topsoil or coconut fiber with peat moss

Diet: Insects only

Decor: Arboreal - Heavily decorated with vertical and horizontal branches, live or artificial plants.

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Our setup: ExRe houses adult U henkeli in 30 gal/gecko minimum, vertically-oriented enclosure. These arboreal reptiles spend most of their time laying flat against a branch, vine, or side of the terrarium. Their enclosure floor consists of cocofiber substrate, a soaking/drinking bowl, and an isopod clean-up crew. Larger plants like monstera are mixed in with smaller plants like pothos and peace lilies. Enclsoures are misted 3 times daily to maintain a general humidity of around 60%. 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. Two puck lights provides enough light for their plants and their day/night cycle. We also use 6% T5 UVB bulbs with U henkeli, though we have also had success using supplementation instead of UVB.  ExRe's U henkeli dine on a staple diet of 6 large, gut-loaded, vitamin- and mineral-dusted crickets twice per week. We also add dubia roaches, mealworms, waxworms, or silkworms every other week for enrichment.