Donna

R leachianus is a large species of gecko native to the islands of New Caledonia. This species is found in multiple localities with variations in both size and coloration. Donna is Extant Relatives' resident leachie. She was produced by LAC Herps in 2018 from their pairing of Jooce x Jello. Given a proper enclosure set up, leachies are easy to care for. These are not recommended for children, as their strong jaws and sharp teeth can cause solid damage.

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Donna is small and relatively easy going for a leachie. She was named after a friend who passed; her sassy and gentle nature also fits the "Parks and Rec" character Donna. She is quick to yip and bark, but rarely bites unless provoked. However, Donna is not for the squeamish, as she is notorious for defecating on humans. If you can get past a potential poop, you will find that Donna is incredibly soft! Donna was named both after Retta's Parks and Rec character Donna Meagle and a friend who passed away.

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Interested in keeping a leachie? Below are general parameters for making your leachie comfortable. For more information, Extant Relatives recommends Reptifile's detailed care sheets.

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Life Span: ~20 years

Cage Size: Ideal minimum - 36" x 18" x 36", vertically oriented

Day/Night Hours: 12/12 OR 14/10 (Summer) to 10/14 (Winter)

Active times: Most active at night

Day temps: 72-78 F

Hot Spot: 86-88 F

Night temps: 66-72 F

Daytime humidity: 60%

Nighttime humidity: 80-100%

UVB: Low

Substrate: Organic topsoil or coconut fiber (or mix)

Diet: Recommend Repashy or Pangea Meal Replacement Powders with vitamin-dusted insects for enrichment.

Decor: Arboreal - branches, cork tubes, plants.

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Our setup: Donna is a smaller leachie who resides in a 50 gallon terrarium (23.5" wide, 16" deep, 28" high), though she would be happy with an upgrade! She spends most of her time exploring cork bark tubes and branches or hiding among potted Pothos vines and peace lilies. Her enclosure floor consists of a cocofiber substrate, soaking/drinking bowl, and a humid hide filled with sphagnum moss. An isopod crew helps us keep this messy lady's cage clean. Donna's cage is heavily misted 2-4 times per week, depending on the season, to maintain a general humidity of around 70%. Temperatures range from 70F at the bottom of the enclosure to 85F at the top. She spends most of her time in the middle, at 75F. A single puck light provides enough light for her plants and her day/night cycle. She does not have a UVB light. Instead, her diet is supplemented with Vitamin D, and she is closely monitored. Donna enjoys rotating flavors of Repashy MRP 2-3 times per week. Once every 2 weeks, she gets everyone's favorite flavor: Banana Cream Pie. Environmental enrichment is provided by adding vitamin- and mineral-dusted crickets, hornworms, dubia roaches, or silkworms to her feedings. 

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