Day Geckos for Sale

Day Geckos are small lizards of the genus Phelsuma in the gecko family.

Main Species of Day Geckos

Day geckos are one of the most visually spectacular lizards that can be kept successfully in captivity. They lend themselves perfectly to well planted, landscaped vivaria and can be a feature of any room - in much the same way as a tropical fish aquarium

The majority of Phelsuma species hail from Madagascar & the Indian Ocean islands,and are highly protected . Of the day geckos which have been successfully bred in captivity, only a few are generally available. These are normally well-established captive-bred animals.- the most popular being Giant Day Gecko (P.m.grandis), Standings' Day Gecko (P.m.standingi) and Gold Dust Day Geckos (P.laticauda). These three species are also recommended for first-time Phelsuma keepers.

Most of the colourful smaller species are very delicate & require a higher level of experience to keep successfully. Although many years of experience with other reptiles can give good grounding, Phelsumas really need to be considered a completely new discipline.Remember, this guide is to be considered as a general guide - further species-specific research is considered mandatory.

It should also be mentioned that Day Gecko bred in captivity are mostly by hobbyists who have taken the time to study these geckos at length, almost to the neglect of all other herps. Such dedication pays off in the end and the number of captive-bred species available have increased in mainland Europe and North America. Britain is unfortunately some way behind.

Description of a Day Gecko

In contrast to most other gecko species, day geckos are active mainly during the day. Other diurnal geckos are members of the genus Lygodactylus and the genus Gonatodes. Day geckos have rounded pupils and a clear, fixed plate covering their eyes which they clean with their tongue. Day geckos do not have eyelids. Many species have bright green, red and blue colors which make them popular terrarium or vivarium pets. These brilliant colours play a role in intraspecies recognition and also serve as camouflage.

The length of the different Phelsuma species varies between about 6.5 to 30 cm (2.5-12 in.). Day geckos have toe pads consisting of tiny lamellae which allow them to walk on plain vertical and inverted surfaces like bamboo or glass. The inner toe on each foot is vestigial. Males have well developed femoral pores on the undersurface of the rear limbs. These pores are less developed or absent in females. Females often have well developed endolymphatic chalk sacs on the sides of their neck. These sacs store calcium, which is needed for egg production. Those eggs can often been seen through the ventral surface of the female's body shortly before they are laid. The hatchlings reach sexual maturity between 6-12 months. Smaller species may live up to ten years whereas the larger species have been reported to live more than 20 years in captivity.

Distribution and Habitat of a Day Gecko

Day geckos inhabit the islands of the south-west part of the Indian Ocean. The exceptions are Phelsuma andamanense, which is endemic to the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, and Phelsuma dubia, which is also found on the East Coast of mainland Africa, although it is possible that it was introduced there. Most Phelsumas are found in Madagascar, which may also be the origin of the genus. Some species are found on neighbouring island groups, including the Mascarenes, Seychelles, Comoros. They are also often found on the Hawaiian Islands, where they were introduced as a form of pest control. The different Phelsuma species can be found from sea level up to 2,300 meters. Most day geckos are arboreal. They inhabit, amongst others, coconut palms and banana trees, but can also be found near human settlements, in gardens, on fences, houses and huts. An exception to this rule is Phelsuma barbouri, which is a terrestrial species.

Diet of Day Gecko

Day geckos feed on various kinds of insects and other invertebrates in the wild. They also eat nectar, pollen and occasionally soft, ripe and sweet fruits such as bananas. In captivity, such a diet is simulated. Insects which may be used include: (wingless) fruit flies, various flies, wax moths, crickets, small super worms, small butter worms and mealworms. Fruit, which is required a few times a week, may be small pieces of papaya, banana, fruit based baby food, or commercial gecko nectars.