Madagascan Day Gecko

(Phelsuma madagascariensisgrandis)

Distribution: Madagascar

Habitat:  Found in trees, shrubs and plants situated near human dwellings

Diet:  Insects, fruit, pollen and nectar.  They have been known to eat their young

Predators:  Cats, dogs, snakes and humans

Conservation Status:  The majority of this species are not endangered

General: One of the largest day geckos, it can reach a total length of about 22 cm. The body colour is light green or bluish green. A rust-coloured stripe extends from the nostril to behind the eye. On the back there are brownish or red-brick coloured dots which may form a thin line along the mid back. These geckos do not have eyelids, and they have flattened toe pads. The gecko's body is more flat than in other lizards and covered with a smooth skin and small scales.

Like most geckos they have tiny hooks on the pads of their toes which enable them to stick to most surfaces.  They are very vocal - barking, hissing and squeaking to scare of predators. Males are very aggressive towards each other.

In order to escape predators the Madagascan day gecko’s tail easily breaks off. This allows the gecko to escape as the predator is momentarily content with having caught the tail. And not to worry, the gecko’s tail is easily re-grown so it can use this defense yet again.

Females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 55 days. The juveniles measure 55–60mm.