Mary Allen
Its entire body length is up to 30 cm. The base color is grass green, although it can change color from light to dark. The scale dress is rough and granular. The ventral side is white. The back is decorated with varying degrees of scarlet bands and spots. A wide, curved, red band runs across the mouth. The thin skin is very sensitive and vulnerable.
The extremities are strong. Fingers and toes are slightly widened and covered with adhesive strips. These slats give the animal the opportunity to climb even smooth leaves and walls.
The eyes have round pupils that adapt to the incidence of light and close or widen in a ring shape. Thanks to its excellent eyesight, the gecko can recognize its prey from a great distance. In addition, Jacobson’s organ in his throat also allows him to absorb scents and recognize motionless food.
Acquisition and Maintenance
An adult day gecko is best kept individually. But keeping them in pairs can also be successful under the right conditions. However, the base area of the pool must then be about 20% larger. Males do not get along with each other and aggressive competition can occur.
A healthy animal can be recognized by its strong, bright color and a well-developed and taut body and corners of the mouth. His behavior is alert and active.
Our Madagascar geckos do not come from prohibited wild stocks and are propagated in captivity. Ownership must be proven with proof of purchase in order for the endangered species to be legally acquired.
Requirements for the Terrarium
The reptile species is diurnal and sun-loving. She likes it warm and humid. Once it has reached its preferred temperature, it retires to the shade.
The species-appropriate rainforest terrarium has a minimum size of 90 cm length x 90 cm depth x 120 cm height. The bottom is laid out with a special substrate or moderately moist forest soil. The decor consists of non-toxic plants with smooth, large leaves and climbing branches. Strong, vertical bamboo canes are advisable for walking and sitting.
Sufficient exposure to UV light and warm temperatures are just as important. Daylight is about 14 hours in summer and 12 hours in winter. Temperatures should be between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 18 to 23 degrees Celsius at night. In the sunny resting places, these can reach around 35° Celsius. A heat lamp provides an additional source of heat.
The humidity is between 60 and 70% during the day and up to 90% at night. Since the reptiles originally come from the rainforest, the plant leaves should be sprayed with lukewarm fresh water every day, but without hitting the animal. The fresh air supply works best with a terrarium with a chimney effect. A thermometer or hygrometer helps to check the units of measurement.
The suitable location for the terrarium is quiet and without direct sunlight.
Gender Differences
The difference between males and females is clearly visible. Males are larger, have a thickened tail and hemipenis pouches.
From 8 to 12 months of age, the transfemoral pores are more developed in males than in females. These are scales that run along the inner thighs.
Feed and Nutrition
The day gecko is an omnivore and needs both animal and plant food. The main diet consists of various insects. Depending on the size of the reptile, mouth-sized flies, crickets, grasshoppers, house crickets, smaller cockroaches, and spiders are fed. The insects should still be alive so that the gecko can follow its natural hunting instincts.
The plant-based diet consists of fruit pulp and occasionally a little honey. There must always be a bowl of fresh water in the terrarium. Regular administration of vitamin D and calcium tablets prevents deficiency symptoms.
Since the reptiles like to eat and tend to get fat, the amount of food should not be excessive.
Acclimatization and Handling
The gecko is not very shy and can be kept tame. He communicates through movements.
After about 18 months he becomes sexually mature. If kept in pairs, mating can take place between May and September. After about 2 to 3 weeks, the female lays 2 eggs. It securely mounts them on the ground or on a surface. The young hatch after 65 to 70 days.
With proper care, the Madagascar day gecko can live up to 20 years.