Madagascar Day Gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis

Madagascar Day Gecko

  Reptiles and amphibians

Madagascar Day Gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis

Identity card

Madagascar Day Gecko

Scientific name:
Phelsuma madagascariensis
Family:
Geckonidae
Class:
Reptilia
Phylum:
Chordata
Year of description:
Gray, 1831
IUCN Status:
Least Concern
CITES-status:

appendix II

Distribution:

Northern Madagascar and Nosy Be Island, between 0 and 900 m altitude.

Habitat:

This gecko lives in the rainforest.

Size:

It measures between 22 and 30 cm, with the male being larger than the female.

Diet:

Insects, fruits, pollen as well as other lizards that are smaller than it.

Madagascar Day Gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis
 

This gecko lives in the rainforest. It can also be found on the walls of houses.

Biomimicry: the adhesive strips on the underside of the geckos' legs inspired the development of gecskin, a material used to attach objects to walls.

did you know?

Where is the animal to be found?

The Madagascar day gecko is an aggressive territorial animal. It is now also found on Reunion Island, the Seychelles, Florida and the Hawaiian Islands.

How can it be recognised?

  • It measures between 22 and 30 cm, with the male being larger than the female.
  • The Madagascar day gecko can hang vertically thanks to the adhesive strips under its legs.
  • It is easily identified by its bright green colour and red spots on its back.

What is distinctive about it?

It also plays a role in pollination and in regulating insect populations.

Threat and protective measure

Its trade is regulated in Europe.

Where can I find it at Nausicaá?

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Madagascar Day Gecko Phelsuma madagascariensis

Reptiles and amphibians

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