Homopholis wahlbergii not breeding

[thorrshamri]

I have owned a LTC pair for 3 years or so, so far they have not produced any eggs. I keep them rather dry, with a 32-35°C basking spot, in a 45x45x70 glass tank, day temps on the cool end are around 25-27°C, night temps 20-23°C. I have put vertically oriented flat stones and slates in their tank, stout branches and a lot of hides. They have been negatively tested twide against internal parasites, and eat unproblematically large locusts and black crickets. I have heard atmospheric pressure brutal changes such as storms triggers breeding on this species-is that true, though it seems a bit weird to me? Do you have any hint to breed them?
Thanks guys!

 

[Mantisdragon91]

This is a species that could benefit from a cooling period and if WC can take a couple of seasons to adjust to the switch in seasons. My pair is exposed to temps similar to yours during the summer but can experience temps as low as 50 F during the winter.

 

[thorrshamri]

This is a species that could benefit from a cooling period and if WC can take a couple of seasons to adjust to the switch in seasons. My pair is exposed to temps similar to yours during the summer but can experience temps as low as 50 F during the winter.

Thanks, how many clutches a year does your pair produce? I suppose the eggs are buried in the substrate? Any tip on incubation?

 

[Mantisdragon91]

Thanks, how many clutches a year does your pair produce? I suppose the eggs are buried in the substrate? Any tip on incubation?

It's hard for me to accurately answer your question for the simple reason that I have never found any eggs or egg shells. My pair is housed in a 16" by 16" by 20" screen cage with a fluorescent light and a halogen puck light for heat. The cage has a 3" thick substrate of mixed coconut husk and sand and a number of pieces of wood and corkbark for hides. Last year I found a total of 6 hatchlings and the year before I found 3. Unfortunately I have no way of knowing how many eggs were actually laid, the incubation duration or even where the eggs were deposited.

 

[Chondrodactylus]

thorrshamri,

These geckos occur over a wide range in SA.
In The Northern Coastal regions weather is rather humid with warm moist evenings.

They could perhaps benefit from some added moisture.

The other regions such as Kruger are extremely hot and dry with low humidity.
They often are found naturally in and around tree's under neath bark where they actively hunt.

 

[thorrshamri]

Thanks for this guys. I am combining both lower temps now and will raise humidity much more when they are over with brumation

 

[Ingo]

And you are right that they bury their eggs. If not given the opportunity to do so, they may eat the freshly layed eggs.

Cheers

Ingo