Tokay Gecko
Reptile
Tokay geckos are large, robust, nocturnal insectivores, and they're as well known for their bite as for their loud call. Dubia roaches are a genuine staple for this species. Tokays are widely documented as bold, defensive, and prone to biting hard when they feel cornered or startled — normal species temperament, not a training failure — so feeding technique matters as much as diet composition.
What to Feed
Dubia roaches form the staple, with hornworms, silkworms, and grasshoppers/locusts for variety. Mealworms and superworms can be included but are better as a supplement than a daily feeder, given their heavier chitin and fat content, plus a real bite/injury risk to the gecko from superworm mandibles if left unattended. Offer prey no larger than the gecko's head, in a quantity eaten within about 5 minutes.
Feeding Schedule
- Juveniles: fed daily — Small dubia roach nymphs (about 50/week)
- Adults: every other day to every 2–3 days — Large dubia roach nymphs (about 25–50/week)
Gut-Loading & Dusting
Gut-load feeder insects 2–3 days before offering (some sources cite a 24-hour minimum — lean toward the longer window). Dust with calcium at every feeding. Tokays are nocturnal and commonly kept with little to no UVB; the species can survive on D3-inclusive calcium alone but does best with UVB also provided. No UVB → D3-inclusive calcium; UVB present → reduce or drop D3 dusting.
Common Mistakes
- Hand-feeding or reaching into the enclosure instead of using feeding tongs. Tokay geckos are documented as bold and defensive, with a bite strong enough to break skin — standard species temperament, not misbehavior
- Pulling a gecko off mid-bite — set it on a flat surface and let it release on its own rather than yanking, which can injure its jaw
- Offering insects larger than the gecko's head
- Treating mealworms/superworms as a daily staple instead of an occasional supplement