Madagascar Day Gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis)

🐊 1. Taxonomy and origin

Scientific name: Phelsuma madagascariensis

Common names: Madagascar day gecko

Family: Gekkonidae

Origin: endemic to Madagascar, found in a variety of habitats from tropical forests to grassland edges and cultivated areas.

Habitat: mainly arboreal (tree-dwelling), spends most of its time on trunks, leaves and branches.

🐲 2. What they look like (morphology)
📏 Size

Adults can grow to ~25–30cm including tail.

Males are usually larger and more colourful than females.

🎨 Colour and colouration

Base colour: bright to dark green, which may have shades of blue or yellow.

They typically have a reddish-brown stripe from the nose back through the eye and along the back, and dotted or dashed patterns.

The color is more intense in males; females tend to be muted and less contrasting.

They have large lidless eyes and suckers on their toes that allow them to cling to smooth surfaces.

🌍 3. Subspecies and variations

Captive forms usually include the following variations/subspecies:

Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis – the "classic" Madagascar day gecko.

Phelsuma madagascariensis kochi – Koch's day gecko, lighter with more subtle coloration.

Phelsuma madagascariensis boehmei – Böhme's giant day gecko; large and colorful.

(Note: Phelsuma grandis was once included among the subspecies, but is now considered a separate species – the Madagascar giant day gecko, and the older designation is no longer valid).

🏡 4. Housing and Environmental Requirements
🏠 Terrarium

This species is arboreal — it needs a vertically oriented terrarium with plenty of branches, vines, and plants to climb on.

Minimum size: approximately 45×45×90cm for an individual; bigger is always better.

Snakes prefer smooth surfaces — so a solid enclosure and good ventilation are essential.

🌡️ Temperature and microclimate

Daytime temperatures: ~26–30°C (78–86°F) with a warmer spot around ~32°C.

Nighttime temperatures: drop to ~21–24°C.

Humidity: 60–80% or more, with regular misting of the terrarium 2–3 times daily.

☀️ Lighting

UVB light is important for its metabolism and calcium absorption, similar to other diurnal lizards.

💧 Water

Geckos drink condensed water from leaves formed by dew or drips, so dew is regular.

🍽️ 5. Diet and nutrition

Phelsuma madagascariensis is omnivorous:

Insects and invertebrates: crickets, cockroaches, larvae, mealworms, etc.

Fruits and sweet mixtures: fruit puree, nectar or special gecko diets.

Captive nutrition: insects should be gut-loaded and occasionally supplemented with calcium and multivitamins; fruit/vegetable supplements are offered in addition to insects 1–2 times a week.

Frequency: adults ~2–3 times a week, young animals more often.

🧠 6. Nature and behavior

Diurnal: active during the day, observing the surroundings and hunting insects.

Arboreal: spends most of its time on branches and leaves.

Territorial: males in particular can be aggressive towards other males; it is better to keep pairs separate or only temporarily in sufficient space.

Handling: they usually do not like to be handled and get stressed, so they are more likely to be observed than held frequently.

🩺 7. Health status and common problems
⚠️ Common health problems

Calcium deficiency / metabolic bone disease: with insufficient UVB and supplements.

Respiratory infections: with too low temperatures or poor ventilation.

Stress and reluctance to eat: common with an unsuitable environment or frequent disturbance.

Tail drop and shedding: geckos can voluntarily shed their tail when threatened; it does grow back, but not identically.

🐍 Prevention

Quality UVB light, correct temperatures and humidity, and solid terrarium equipment minimize the risks.

Veterinary check-up if parasites or infections are suspected.

🐣 8. Reproduction

Reproduction: Females lay eggs (usually after mating at an appropriate time) in secure cavities.

Incubation period: approximately 8–9 weeks (approx. 55 days) at ~28°C.

Young: small and usually single immediately after hatching.

🟢 9. Advantages and disadvantages of breeding
👍 Advantages

✔️ Stunning colors: one of the most colorful reptiles in captivity.
✔️ Daily activity: interesting behavior in the light.
✔️ High visual appeal: great "display" species.

👎 Disadvantages

❗ Higher care requirements: temperature, humidity, UVB and vertical space.
❗ Sensitive nature: stress from frequent handling.
❗ Territorial behavior: males may fight if not separated.

🧠 10. How to choose the right Phelsuma madagascariensis

🔎 Origin: prefer captive-bred individuals over wild-caught ones – less risk of parasites and easier acclimatization.
🔎 Health at purchase: bright color, clear eyes, active foraging, and stable body condition.
🔎 Equipment prepared in advance: vertical terrarium, UVB, branches, and plants before the gecko arrives.
🔎 Companionship: only one female per male or multiple solitary individuals; avoid pairing without sufficient space.

📌 Summary

The Madagascar Phelsuma (Phelsuma madagascariensis) is a majestic, active, and visually stunning day gecko