Day Gecko
Phelsuma sp.
Description
Most day geckos are predominantly brightly colored green, but hues of blue,
purple and red are also usually present. Some are brown or dark colored,
but they are not commonly experienced in the pet trade. As the name implies,
they are a diurnal species, feeding during the day and hiding at night.
Presently there are about 36 species described. They range in size from
8 centimeters to over 30 centimeters. Their lifespan ranges from approximately
6 to more than 15 years.
Natural Habitat
Day geckos are one of the most ubiquitous reptiles of the Malagasy region. They are found on Madagascar and most of the neighboring islands in the Indian Ocean (e.g. Mauritius, the Seychelles, Mascarenes, and Comoros.) Nearly all day geckos are arboreal or semi-arboreal; only one, P. barbouri, seems at ease on the ground. Their preferred habitat seems to be heavy foliated, although within their range they have proven surprisingly adaptable and often follow civilization.
Artificial Habitat
Being a diurnal species, perhaps the most important requirement for day
geckos is a source of UV light. An ideal enclosure would incorporate an
active UV light which would provide both the necessary ultraviolet lighting
as well as a heat source for basking. Ideally temperature should be around
90-95 degrees, but providing a good basking spot at one end of the enclosure
(being sure to allow enough room at the other end to escape its heat) will
allow the geckos to do much of their own thermoregulation. Day geckos benefit
from a heavily planted terrarium with a substrate of soil, leaf litter or
other detritus. They prefer to spend their time on the sides of plants,
sticks, grapevine, corkbark or the aquarium glass. They benefit from high
levels of humidity (75%+) and should be misted regularly. Day geckos drink
from dew or rain drops, so misting should take this fact into account. Bromeliads
are an excellent plant choice as they can provide both shelter and shallow
pools of water. Other plants with thick vertical leaves, such as Sansevieria
or Dracena, are also good terrarium choices. Because day geckos are primarily
arboreal, enclosures should be taller than wide. Four to five juvenile day
geckos can be housed comfortably in a ten-gallon tall aquarium provided
adequate foliage and shelter are provided.
Diet
Day geckos are insectivorous, eating crickets, flies, termites and any other suitably sized insects. They can also be fed small waxworms, mealworms, roaches and fruit flies. As always, insects should be dusted with an approriate vitamin and mineral supplement. Day geckos also relish nectars, pollens, sap, honey and pureed fruit. They have also been known to lick from hummingbird feeders. Their "sweet tooth" is an important part of their diet and should not be overlooked. Our Day Gecko MRP is specifically designed to fill this part of their diet.
Caveats
Adult male day geckos are fiercely territorial and therefore cannot be
housed together. Day geckos have extraordinarily beautiful, but delicate
skin. They should not be handled as their skin can tear very easily and
when stressed they will also readily autotomize their tails. Furthermore,
it should be noted that day geckos can be lightening-quick; care should
be taken when opening their enclosures for any reason. Attention should
be paid to the fact that day geckos do require nectars, fruits and/or pollen
to remain healthy.
Why would I want a day gecko?
Given that the proper habitat and diet is provided, day geckos can be an exceptionally hearty pet. They are elegant, resplendant, inquisitive, active and fun to watch. Many develop distinct personalities, making them easily identifiable by their activities. At the ranch we released some into one of our greenhouses and they have learned to emerge at feeding time and follow us from one area to another in the hopes of obtaining "treats." A few will even climb onto us and eat from our hands. At the risk of sounding anthropocentric, these geckos seem to actually enjoy our company.