Phelsuma grandis

Appearance

This lizard reaches a total length of 30 centimetres . The body colour is bright green or, rarely, bluish green. A red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. On the back there are red coloured dots or bars. These red markings are quite variable, and in some cases, completely absent, though the line extending from the nostril to the eye is always present. Some specimens may have small blue spots. Adult specimens may have large sacs on their necks. These are stored calcium sacks. Young individuals of the species often exhibit much more red than their parents, but as time passes, many of the markings fade, to leave those that will remain until the gecko dies. The underside of these animals is a creamy white ranging to an eggy yellow. A stressed animal is more likely to have darker colouration, making it appear as though there are orange parts to the red colouration, and the green appears far darker.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed in northern and northwest Madagascar. It can also be found on some of the off shore islets. There are a few recorded populations of this species also in Florida, and Hawaii, introduced by accident, which seem to like the hot, tropical climate in these locations. It can also be found in Mauritius, mainly in Floreal and in the upper Plain Wilhems, but it is thought that it was introduced there too.

Behavior

Like most Phelsuma species, the males can be quite quarrelsome and territorial and will not accept other males in their neighborhood. They only allow females to enter their territory. In captivity, where the females cannot escape, the males can also sometimes seriously wound a female. In this case the male and female must be separated. Breeding behavior includes, the shaking of the tail or body, vocalizing, and if the female does not accept the male she may turn a darker green. The day geckos may move slowly, but when they are startled they can move very fast. They are known for being very good at escaping their enclosures. Giant day geckos have no eyelids. To keep their eyes clean, they often lick them.

Habitat

''Phelsuma grandis'' is often found on different trees where it can be seen basking. They also inhabit human dwellings due to the number of appropriate basking spots, and the level of insect activity which these dwellings attract. The climate is rather dry, though heavy rainfalls are quite common. This means that there is a constant level of high humidity throughout the year. When in captivity phelsuma grandis enjoy bamboo. Most live on the eastern coast of Madagascar.

Reproduction

The breeding season is between November and the first weeks of May. During this period, the females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 60–65 days. The juveniles measure 70 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year. When the babies are about two years old they will leave their mother and find a mate or a new home.

Food

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates, and occasionally have been recorded consuming small vertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar. Geckos in the wild and in captivity have been observed consuming their own young.