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What Do Leachianus Geckos Eat?
Leachianus Geckos are omnivores. In captivity, the most practical and nutritionally reliable approach is a complete commercial powdered diet as the staple, supplemented with appropriately sized live feeder insects. Fruit is occasionally offered by some keepers but is not necessary if a quality powdered diet is used.
Powdered Diet (Staple)
A high-quality commercial powdered diet formulated for New Caledonian geckos provides a nutritionally complete base for Leachianus Geckos. Mix according to package instructions to a smooth, lickable consistency. Offer fresh diet every 2–3 days and remove uneaten food within 24 hours to prevent spoilage.
Individual animals may have preferences between brands or flavors. If a gecko consistently ignores one formulation, trying an alternative is reasonable before assuming a health problem.
Live Feeder Insects (Supplement)
Feeder insects add protein, behavioral enrichment, and feeding stimulation. Offer 1–2 times per week. Appropriate feeder options include:
- Dubia roaches — excellent nutritional profile, easy to gut-load, low odor
- Crickets — widely available; gut-load before offering
- Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) — good calcium-to-phosphorus ratio; useful as a supplement
- Hornworms — high moisture content; useful as an occasional hydration-rich feeder
Offer prey that is appropriately sized for the individual and easy to swallow; avoid oversized feeders.
→ Best Live Feeder Insects for Reptiles
Supplementation
Supplementation requirements depend on the powdered diet used and whether the gecko has access to UVB lighting. Most quality complete powdered diets already include calcium and D3. If you are also providing UVB, avoid over-supplementing D3 through dusting. Dust feeder insects with calcium only as needed based on the nutritional profile of the complete diet and your UVB setup. When in doubt, follow the diet manufacturer’s guidance and consult a reptile vet if you have concerns.
→ Best UVB Fixtures for Reptiles
Feeding Frequency
- Juveniles: Offer complete diet daily or on a regular frequent schedule; insects 2–3 times per week
- Adults: Offer powdered diet every 2–3 days; insects 1–2 times per week
Monitor body condition rather than adhering strictly to a schedule. A gecko that is maintaining healthy weight and body tone is receiving adequate nutrition.
Water
Provide a shallow water dish at all times and refresh it daily. Leachianus Geckos will also drink water droplets from enclosure surfaces after misting. Both sources are used — do not rely solely on misting for hydration.
Foods to Avoid
- Wild-caught insects — risk of pesticides and parasites
- Fireflies and other bioluminescent insects — toxic to reptiles
- Avocado, rhubarb, or other known toxic foods if offering fruit
- Oversized feeders — can cause stress or injury