Description: Also known as Scorpion tailed gecko, Carter’s rock gecko and Ornate rock gecko. From desert and semi-arid regions of the Middle East, specifically, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. They like sandy ground and can be seen basking on rocks, even in urban areas. Two sub-species exist: Pristerus carteri tuberculatis and the more common, Pristurus carteri carteri.
These small geckos are active during the day making it easy to observe their behavior, which is quite interesting. They often sit on rocks and wave their tails (which are yellow underneath) at one another as a form of communication. When they feel threatened, the tail is curled up, mimicking a scorpion to deter predators. Combine that with a relatively large head and you end up with a very cute lizard. The color, which can lighten or darken, is mostly grayish with darker bands and some small spots. Maximum adult size is about 3½" to 4½".
Males are very territorial, guarding their females and watching out for intruding males. Fights are serious, bodily harm is likely and death is a possibility. Males should never be put together. Females get along ok and several can be kept with one male.

Temperature: Provide a basking area of around 95 to 100°F and a cool side in the enclosure of around 80 to 85°F. It is important to allow the environment to cool down at night to around 65 to 75°F. Seasonal temperature fluctuations are beneficial and may be necessary.

Humidity: Low, approximately 10 to 20%, occasional misting is beneficial.

Lighting: UV light may be needed. Bright lights and/or heat lamps should be used to simulate a desert environment. Seasonal day length fluctuations are beneficial and may be necessary.

Feeding: Appropriately sized crickets and mealworms are fine as a staple diet but a variety of other insects should be offered. They have a high metabolism so daily feeding is recommended. A good vitamin/mineral supplement should be given twice a week for adults and more often for young, growing geckos.
Although most of their water is obtained from food, occasional misting will allow them to lick up water droplets. A shallow water dish may also be provided if desired.

Habitat: A 15-gallon tank can be used for a pair but a larger size would be better. A secure well-ventilated lid is needed to keep the food items from escaping. Set it up as a desert habitat. Sand, coconut fiber or a mix of the two works well as a substrate, some small stones mixed in would look nice also. One or more good sized rocks to be used as "guard towers" or for lookout spots is a must. Branches, artificial and/or live plants can be added for shelter.
The enclosure should be misted occasionally, more on one side of the tank (around the water dish) than the other will provide a humidity gradient for them to choose from.

Hibernation / Aestivation: Does not occur. Provide the adults with seasonal day length and temperature fluctuations.

Sexing: Adult males are slightly larger and have small tail spikes that the females lack.

Breeding: A winter cool down period of about 2 to 3 months with shorter days will give the breeders a seasonal break. When the temps and day length are brought back to normal, courtship should be observed with the male pursuing the female. If she is receptive, mating will occur. This may take place 3 or 4 times per female throughout the warm season. 2 eggs per clutch are usually laid and buried half way under a rock away from the heat source.
Carefully remove the eggs and incubate between 80 and 84°F. Depending on the average temp, the eggs should hatch in 2 to 3 months.
Hatchlings should be kept under similar conditions as the adults and fed smaller insects.
Sexual maturity is reached in about 10 months.

ENJOY YOUR PET LIFE FORMS, Dave & Donna