Banana Gecko?!?!

[Phoenix]

I was recently in a pet store where they had a big gecko for sale. They were calling it a Banana gecko and I couldn't find a clerk to get the latin name. It looked like a sub-adult Leachi but was cheaper then most prices I've seen for them. Is this another species of gecko that gets big, or another common name/imposed name for a Leachi?

Thanks!

[clint545]

Did he happen to look like this? I believe these geckos are also known as the Poor Man's Leachie.:) But I might be wrong, but don't think so:D
http://www.gekkota.com/html/g__vorax.html

[DragnDrop]

Like Clint said, Banana geckos are also known as Poor Man's Leachianus. And Halmahera Island Giant Geckos, Halmahera Island Banana Geckos and any combination of those names. The proper name is Gehyra vorax, though any of the Gehyra complex have been sold under those names.

True "Banana Geckos" are G. vorax. At first glance they look like leachianus but a closer look shows they're obviously not the same. They do get big, 10" or so with some males getting a tad bigger. They are a 'hands off' species. Part of their protection strategy is to lose pieces of skin, and walking out of most of it if caught. It does grow back but it's stressful for the gecko and dehydration is a big factor in whether he survives. I saw one that was missing about half his skin from being manhandled at the store.

They're reasonably easy to care for, room temperature at night, high 70's to low 80's during the day. Mine were perfectly happy with the little heat given off by the fluorescent lights. They love their bugs supersized, though crickets will do if nothing else is available. Fruit should be offered a couple times a week, same deal as with Rhacs. Humidity isn't a big deal, somewhat like Rhacs. I sprayed the enclosures lightly in the morning and a good thorough misting before lights out.

Their main problem is keeping compatible pairs. Even though they get along this season doesn't mean they'll love each other next year. Most of the time it's the female that disembowels her mate sometime overnight. ;) I never had a problem with that with mine, I swapped males in early spring before they started mating or when I heard them making unhappy type noises. I don't know if that was what kept mine happy or if they just weren't fed up with each other yet before I switched them. They lay hard shelled eggs, jawbreaker size, take about 90+ days to hatch. The babies are BIG, I really don't know how they fit into the egg.

The only downside, if any, would be that they can get vocal. It's not too bad, the neighbours won't mind but you might if you have them anywhere near your bed. You can tell they have some sort of 'language', I counted about a dozen distinct sounds or combinations. The most obvious were "come here you sweet thing" and "get LOST, you so-and-so!!" :) If you listen carefully, you can tell if they're going to have a fight or mate. Use the vocalizations as your clue that they're just talking over dinner, or it's time to separate or switch the males.