Gargoyle Gecko

Gargoyle geckos are omnivorous New Caledonian geckos whose diet runs opposite to most insectivorous species: a powdered fruit-and-protein complete diet (Pangea, Repashy, etc.) is the nutritional staple, and live insects are a required supplement rather than the main course. Dubia roaches are the best-suited feeder insect for the portion of the diet that isn't covered by the powdered mix.

Note: insects are not the staple here. Every specialist source agrees the powdered complete diet is the caloric/nutritional staple; dubia is a required supplement, not a primary food.

What to Feed

A commercial powdered gecko diet, mixed with water, is the dietary staple and should be offered more often than insects. Dubia roaches are the recommended feeder insect — offering live prey isn't optional, but it's secondary by volume to the powdered diet. Mealworms and superworms are not on specialist feeder lists for this species; skip them rather than using them as a dubia substitute, the same chitin-avoidance logic as crested geckos. Prey should be no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes. Pinky mice or waxworms are occasional treats only, capped at roughly twice a month.

Feeding Schedule

• Hatchlings/juveniles: powdered diet daily, Small dubia roach nymphs every other day (about 50/week)
• Adults: powdered diet every 2–3 days, Medium dubia roach nymphs about twice a week (about 25–50/week)
• Skipping a feeding 2–4 times a month is normal, especially for adults

Gut-Loading & Dusting

Gut-load feeder insects 24 hours to 2–3 days before offering. Dust every insect feeding with calcium. If UVB is provided, use calcium without D3; if not — the common setup for this crepuscular/nocturnal species — use calcium with D3.

Common Mistakes

• Treating insects as the primary diet and the powdered mix as an afterthought — it's reversed for this species
• Feeding mealworms or superworms as a regular feeder — not on the recommended list for gargoyles
• Offering insects larger than the space between the eyes
• Skipping calcium dusting on the assumption the powdered diet already covers it