Scientific Name:           
Phelsuma madagaskarensis grandis
Class:
Reptilia
Order:              
Squamata
Family:
Gekkonidae
Feeding Type:
Omnivorous
Range:
Northern Madagascar, Seychelles, and neighboring islands
Habitat:
Drier regions of forests, canopy of trees
Diet in the Wild:            
Mainly insects, but may occasionally lick honey and water from condensation
Diet at the Zoo:
Crickets
Description:
Adults are green in color with dark red reticulations on their heads and reddish orange spots on their backs. Day Geckos have eyes with large round pupils and ringed in bright blue. This is as opposed to nocturnal geckos who have slit like pupils. Its tail is at least the same length as its body.
Adaptation/Behavior:
Day geckos are diurnal and arboreal. They tend to prefer relatively smooth areas to rest and
sunbathe. They have special feet that aids in climbing. The feet have millions of densely packed
hairs called setae. Geckos walk by rolling their feet onto a surface, and then peeling them off.
Their bright colors indicate their diurnal habit of camouflaging in the tropical leaves in
wait for prey. The name gecko probably derives from the calls of these lizards, produced by
clicking their broad tongue against the roof of their mouth.
Courtship/Breeding:
Females generally lay 2 eggs that are attached to each other and incubation is from 47 to 82 days. The young reach sexual maturity in one year. Males can be recognized by their distinctly broader head and are generally more colorful than females. Sexually mature males develop enlarged pores on their hind legs and produce a waxy substance resembling droplets. Sexually mature females may have calcium deposits on each side of the neck. Adults can reach up to 10 inches.
Interesting Facts:
Several Geckos have been released in the Discovery Center outside of the Gecko exhibit. So look for them as you explore!