Dull day gecko facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dull day gecko |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Phelsuma
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| Species: |
dubia
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The Phelsuma dubia, also called the dull day gecko, is a cool type of gecko. Unlike many geckos, it is active during the day. These geckos are about 15 centimeters (6 inches) long. They live on the western coast of Madagascar and in parts of East Africa. You can often find them in trees or even close to human homes. Dull day geckos eat insects and sweet plant nectar.
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What Does the Dull Day Gecko Look Like?
This gecko is a medium-sized lizard. It can grow up to about 15 centimeters long. Its body color can be grayish green, grayish brown, or even bluish green. Sometimes, its tail is a bright blue color.
Look closely at its face! A rust-colored stripe runs from its nose to its eye. There is also a red V-shape mark on its snout. On its back, you might see brownish or red dots. A gray stripe goes from its eye down to its back leg. The underside of the gecko is an off-white color.
Young geckos look a bit different. They have a light brown back with small light blue spots. When they are first born, their tail is yellow.
Where Do Dull Day Geckos Live?
You can find this gecko species on the west coast of Madagascar, near a place called Majunga. They also live in the Comoros islands and on Zanzibar. Some coastal areas of mainland Tanzania are also home to these geckos.
What Is Their Home Like?
The dull day gecko can live in many different places. They are often found on various trees and other plants in low-lying areas. These geckos are also good at living near people. You might see them on buildings in towns and cities. They are known as a human commensal, meaning they live alongside humans without harming them.
What Do Dull Day Geckos Eat?
These day geckos eat many kinds of insects. They also enjoy other small invertebrates. Besides bugs, they love to lick soft, sweet fruits. They also enjoy pollen and nectar from flowers. Sometimes, they even like balsamic vinegar!
How Do They Behave?
Phelsuma dubia geckos often live in small groups. These groups usually have one male gecko and several females. This helps them stay safe and reproduce.
How Do They Reproduce?
Female dull day geckos lay their eggs. They are known as "egg gluers" because they often stick their eggs to surfaces. It's common for several females to lay their eggs in the same spot. This can create a shared nesting area.
Caring for Dull Day Geckos as Pets
The dull day gecko is a common species in the wild. If you want to keep these geckos as pets, it's important to get them from responsible breeders. This helps protect wild populations.
If you keep them, these geckos should be housed in pairs. They need a medium-sized terrarium, which is like a special tank for reptiles. The temperature inside their home should be between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius (77-82°F). The air should not be too humid.
In captivity, you can feed these geckos different insects. Good choices include crickets, wax moths, fruit flies, mealworms, and houseflies.
