Madagascar giant day gecko

Madagascar giant day gecko
Phelsuma grandis Gray, 1870

A lizard that belongs to the Gekkonidae family. The designation “day gecko” isn’t accidental – Phelsumas lead diurnal lives. It’s native to Madagascar, where it can be encountered in tropical and subtropical forests in the northern part of the island.
Its body is green (sometimes blue-green) with red spots on the back as well as stripes spanning between nostrils and eyes. Whereas the spots may not be there in some specimens, the stripes on the head are always present. The bottom part of its body is cream white; lighter than the rest. This lizard’s skin may darken a little as a result of stress. Day geckos are territorial and can be aggressive towards other specimens of the same sex in the area. If a male accepts another gecko in his vicinity, it’s sure to be a female, never another male. In their natural environment, Phelsumas feed on insects and other invertebrates. They also lick pollen off flowers and even eat soft fruit. They reach sexual maturity after about a year; this is when males, as a form of courtship display, nod their heads intensively and make specific sounds. This species is listed in Appendix II of the list of species protected by CITES, which means that anyone owning it must register their pets.

Body length: 30 cm