Geckos are a diverse group of lizards, and their dietary habits often lead to questions about whether they are omnivores. Most gecko species are not omnivores; they are primarily insectivores or carnivores. However, some specific species do incorporate plant-based foods into their diets, which can lead to confusion about their classification.
Natural Diets of Geckos
Most gecko species in their natural habitats consume a diet rich in protein from insects and other small animals. These geckos are insectivores, relying on various invertebrates for their nutritional needs. Common prey items include crickets, roaches, beetles, moths, spiders, and worms.
Larger gecko species may also consume small vertebrates. This can include other small lizards, young birds, or small rodents like baby mice. These larger prey items supplement their primary insectivorous diet, ensuring they receive adequate protein and other nutrients necessary for their growth and development.
Understanding Dietary Variations
While most geckos are insectivores or carnivores, some species include plant matter in their diet. Species like crested geckos and gargoyle geckos naturally consume fruits, nectar, and pollen in addition to insects. These geckos are sometimes described as frugivorous, indicating a diet heavily featuring fruit.
This dietary diversity is linked to environmental conditions and resource availability in their native habitats, such as the forests of New Caledonia. Though they consume both animal and plant matter, they are not true omnivores like mammals that maintain a balanced diet of meat and plants. Their plant consumption focuses on sweet, easily digestible fruits and nectars, rather than a wide range of vegetation.
Feeding Geckos in Captivity
Providing a suitable diet for captive geckos involves mimicking their natural feeding habits to ensure their health and longevity. For insectivorous species like leopard geckos, common feeder insects include crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Offer a variety of insects to ensure comprehensive nutritional intake.
Before feeding, insects should be “gut-loaded” by providing them with nutritious foods for 24 to 48 hours, which transfers those nutrients to the gecko. Feeder insects should also be dusted with calcium and vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin D3, as geckos need these for proper bone health and nutrient absorption. A shallow dish of plain calcium powder can also be left in the enclosure for geckos to self-supplement.
For species that consume fruit and nectar, such as crested geckos and gargoyle geckos, commercial powdered diets are available that can be mixed with water to form a paste. These diets are formulated to provide a balanced blend of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Occasional fruit mashes can also be offered, but certain fruits like citrus should be avoided.