Description
- Common Name: Western Chameleon Gecko
- Scientific Name: Eurydactylodes occidentalis
- Locality/Morph: Wild Type
- Sex: Female
- Age: 2025
- Source: Captive bred in UK
- Native Range: Far western Grande Terre, New Caledonia
- Natural Habitat: Humid coastal and lowland forests; semi-arboreal, frequently found on fine branches, shrubs, and dense foliage
- Diet: Commercial gecko diet, small live insects, occasional nectar- or fruit-based supplements
- Basking Temperature: Gentle gradient up to 26–28°C
- Ambient Temperature: 20–24°C (night drop to ~18–20°C)
- Average Adult Size: 10–12 cm (including tail)
The Western Chameleon Gecko (Eurydactylodes occidentalis) is the smallest and rarest member of the Eurydactylodes genus, known for its small size and soft, muted colouration. With its slender body, delicate limbs, and highly prehensile tail, this species is superbly adapted for navigating thin twigs and leafy understory branches. Its subtle patterning, often in shades of olive, tan, and pale green, gives it a refined, almost understated beauty that distinguishes it from its relatives.
In the wild, E. occidentalis inhabits humid forest edges in the far western portions of Grande Terre, where vegetation tends to be slightly more open and coastal influences moderate the climate. It is primarily nocturnal but may exhibit brief twilight activity, especially during humid spells. In captivity, they thrive in smaller, lushly planted enclosures that offer thin climbing structures, hiding opportunities, and ample foliage to mimic their natural microhabitat. Humidity of 60–80% with regular misting is ideal, always paired with solid ventilation to maintain healthy airflow.
As with other Eurydactylodes, this species benefits from cooler overall temperatures and should not be exposed to strong heat. A mild basking area is acceptable, but shaded, humid retreats are essential for comfort and hydration. Their diet is simple and easily met with high-quality commercial diets supplemented by small insects such as micro-crickets or tiny roaches. Occasional nectar-style mixes or fruit purées can be offered to enrich feeding routines.
Despite their diminutive size, Western Chameleon Geckos are resilient when kept correctly and may live a decade or more in captivity. They are gentle, slow-moving, and naturally cautious, making them best suited for keepers who prefer to observe rather than handle. For enthusiasts of New Caledonian geckos, E. occidentalis offers a rare blend of subtle charm, delicate form, and fascinating ecological adaptations that make it an exceptional species for thoughtfully designed naturalistic setups.
Livestock Delivery:
Livestock is delivered in our own heated reptile courier vans. Delivery time from ordering will depend on your location and when we next have a van in your area, this will usually be a maximum of 2 weeks. You will receive a date and time slot by phone or email, so please ensure you enter these correctly at checkout. Delivery fee for livestock depends on location, prices start at £45. Livestock orders over £500 (+VAT) are delivered free of charge.
Livestock Sale Terms:
If multiple animals are in stock then not all will be pictured, so the photo above may not be exact animal available.
All prices are per individual unless otherwise stated. All livestock is subject to availability, whilst we try to keep the website as up to date as possible errors may happen, in this situation you will be contacted to arrange a refund/alternative.
Errors can happen with sexing and morph identification. Should this be discovered before leaving us you are entitled to a refund. After the animal leaves us it is the customers responsibility to inform us within 48 hours of the animals arrival. Failing to do so may lose the customers eligibility for a refund.
It is the customers responsibility to have the correct setup available and ready for the animal, if you need any advice please do get in touch. We have the right to request proof of setup at any time, failure to provide an image of an appropriate setup or any image at all, may result in a full order cancellation and refund.
Guarantee for all inverts & amphibians is 24 hours. All other livestock is 48 hours. If issues/concerns are notified upon delivery, then this may be extended. All health related queries will be subject to a full investigation should an issue arise. Failing to provide us with the information we request may void any form of guarantee. If we find reason from the information that its injury or death was caused by negligence or incorrect husbandry then the guarantee may be void. Should death or abnormalities occur then you must inform us as soon as possible. In the unlikely event that an animal passes away please photograph the dead body and freeze until you have heard from us. If death or illness occurs after 7 days, and no health issues were reported, then Ridgeway will not be held responsible.
We have the right to refuse any sale, refund or guarantee at any time if we feel it is necessary.
Livestock sales are for customers aged 18+, if under this age you must have prior parent permission. If we have any reason to suspect this is not the case we will contact you before the animal is released.
When purchasing an animal from us you automatically agree to these terms of sale.
