Giant day gecko (phelsuma grandis) is one of the largest diurnal (active during the day) species of gecko hailing from Madagascar.
They are known for their vibrant green color with red markings and spots on their heads and backs.
They lack eyelids, instead they have a translucent scale covering their eyes which they clean and wet with their tongues.
These large geckos have obvious sexual dimorphism with males growing up to 30 centimeters and the somewhat smaller (25cm) females displaying large calcium sacks on their necks in adulthood. Their pupils are round.
Temperatures around 28°C and 60% humidity are preferred.
They spend most of their lives in the lower branches of trees, females come down to ground level before laying eggs.
Their green color may change depending on stress and light levels, stressed phelsumas become dark and gray.
They eat insects (mealworms, crickets and roaches of according size – about the space between the gecko’s eyes) and instant gecko diets (Repashy, Pangea, Arcadia).
Finely mixed fruit may be offered as a treat in small amounts (once or twice a month). Live food should be dusted in calcium and vitamins.
They readily drink water from daily misting (misting also helps with keeping the humidity).
Because of their lifestyle, they don’t need any ground hides.
Instead, it’s advisable to use branches, fake or live plants, bamboo sticks, cork tree trunks, huts, coconut shells or ledges attached to sides of their tank.
A full range light is recommended for the best colors of these beautiful animals.
These geckos do require UVB.
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