Madagascar Day Gecko
Phelsuma madagascariensis
Madagascar day gecko is native to the eastern coast of Madagascar but has also been introduced to southern Florida and Hawaii. They are usually bright green but can also have a bluish-green color between their scales. They have a rusty or reddish-brown stripe that runs from the tip of their nose to around their eyes or behind their ears. They also have orange spots that run down their back making a line. Females will appear duller in color and a bit smaller compared to males who are larger and brighter, so they are a species that you can more accurately gender based on appearance. This is referred to as sexual dimorphism. This species of gecko is one of the largest species and can reach a little over nine and a half inches. If these little lizards look familiar, you might have seen them on your TV as the Geico gecko, Martin, who is also a Madagascar day gecko.
Click HERE for a Day Gecko Activity Sheet!
Our Current Residents
Jane, Female – Hatched 16, 2007 (estimated and celebrated)
Jane came to the Zoo in 2013 from Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, Utah. It is estimated that their lifespan is about six to ten years. Jane has much surpassed that, making her very old for her species. Due to her older age, Jane can get stressed easily so we want to make sure that we respect both her and her habitat. Jane is located inside and is normally perched on top of her bamboo sticks, but also camouflages well.
Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Reptilia
- Order: Squamata
- Family: Gekkonidae
- Genus: Phelsuma
- Species: Phelsuma madagascariensis
Animal Facts
Omnivore: mainly eat crabs, insects, spider, and scorpions and occasional sweet fruits
Population Status: currently listed as Least Concern
Habitat: tropical rainforests, grasslands, and agricultural areas
Activity: diurnal- mainly active during the day
