Standing's Day Gecko

Scientific Name: Phelsuma standingi

Natural History:

Distributed in southwest Madagascar, including the region around Andranolaho. This species inhabits the dry southwest portion of Madagascar with its unique thorn forest vegetation. Until recently, this was one of the very few areas in Madagascar which was relatively undisturbed. However, charcoal burners are making inroads into its habitat, and for this reason P. standingi is now a species of special concern to the world's conservation organizations.

Biology:

A large-size, thick-bodied day gecko. Males can be distinguished from females by their large, well-developed, brown colored femoral pores. Otherwise, males and females are similar in size and appearance and average 8.25 - 10 inches, with the exceptional specimens exceeding 11 inches. Hatchlings have a yellowish green head with a series of lines and bars. The neck and back are brown with a large number of thin, light-colored bands and bars extending the length of the back. These bands and bars become wider and more mint green-colored on the tail. This species looks quite different as an adult. Typically an adult is light grey with some light turquoise color on the head and tail, and tiny grey reticulated markings on the head and body. An exceptionally marked adult is light turquoise with small grey reticulations on the head and back and light grey flanks and upper legs.

Care:

The enclosure should be reasonably large with a vertical format. Several sturdy, live potted plants, such as snake plants, are required. This species does well and breeds readily in captivity. No more then one pair should be housed together.

Breeding:

Eggs are typically laid in plant leaf joints or under surface litter on the ground. When incubated at 82 - 84 F, eggs hatch in approximately 70 days. One of the keys to breeding this species is to afford a temperature drop at night. Daytime temperatures should be in the mid 80's F with a small sun spot lamp affording basking spot in the mid 90's. Nighttime temperatures should be dropped to 72-74 F. this species may become quite accustomed to humans and will typically accept dusted crickets and other insects from a persons fingers once it is well-acclimated.