Mary Allen
When they hear the term “diurnal geckos” or “day geckos”, most people think of the beautiful and colorful geckos of the genus Phelsuma. But there are more diurnal geckos that belong to other genera. Diurnal geckos are fascinating. They not only impress with their beauty but also with their behavior and way of life.
The Diurnal Geckos of the Genus Phelsuma – Pure Fascination
The genus Phelsuma is predominantly found in Madagascar but is also native to the surrounding islands in the Indian Ocean, such as Comoros, Mauritius, and Seychelles. Phelsumen has become a permanent fixture in terrariums in recent years. They are extremely colorful and especially the popular beginner species such as Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis and Phelsuma laticauda are relatively easy to care for.
Phelsumen live mainly in forest areas in their homeland, some also in the rainforest. Furniture should always include bamboo tubes and other smooth surfaces with hiding places. Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis is the largest of its genus and can be up to 30 cm long. If you want to keep day geckos of the genus Phelsuma, make sure that all but the two aforementioned species are subject to species protection law and must be reported. Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis and Phelsuma laticauda only need to be verified.
The Diurnal Geckos of the Genus Lygodactylus – the Dwarf Day Geckos
The genus Lygodactylus, also called dwarf day geckos, is in great demand among terrarium keepers. All Lygodactylus species are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Madagascar. The species Lygodactylus williamsi, also known as the “sky-blue dwarf day gecko”, is very popular. The male of Lygodactylus williamsi has a very strong blue, the female wears his dress in turquoise green. Keeping Lygodactylus williamsi is relatively easy and also suitable for beginners.
The diurnal geckos of the genus Gonatodes
Gonatodes are very small diurnal geckos with a size of about 10 cm, whose home is predominantly in northern South America. The genus Gonatodes contains only 17 different species. In contrast to Phelsumen or Lygodactylus, they do not have pronounced adhesive lamellae on their toes. Often their torso is very brightly piebald. They inhabit semi-arid to moist areas and are most active during the day, but also into the late evening.
The diurnal geckos of the genus Sphaerodactylus – the most species-rich of all genera with 97 species, the genus Sphaerodactylus is the most species-rich genus of all diurnal geckos. These are extremely small, almost tiny animals. For example, the species Sphaerodactylus arise is probably the smallest known reptile on our planet at just 30 mm.
If you want to keep diurnal geckos, do some good research beforehand about the corresponding keeping requirements of the respective species, and you will have a lot of fun with them.
Note on Species Protection
Many terrarium animals are under species protection because their populations in the wild are endangered or could be endangered in the future. Therefore the trade is partly regulated by law. However, there are already many animals from German offspring. Before buying animals, please inquire whether special legal provisions need to be observed.