Gold dust day gecko

The Gold Dust Day Gecko is a vibrant and fascinating creature native to northern Madagascar and the Comoros Islands. It has also colonized Hawaii and other Pacific islands. This diurnal gecko is often seen basking in trees and sometimes in houses, where it snacks on insects and sips nectar.

One of the most striking features of the Gold Dust Day Gecko is its bright green or yellowish-green skin adorned with red speckles on its neck and upper back. Additionally, it has three rust-colored bars on its snout and a slightly flattened tail. Fun fact: this gecko is often recognized as the mascot of GEICO!

In terms of diet, these geckos are quite the gourmets. They feast on insects, invertebrates, smaller lizards, and enjoy soft fruits, pollen, and nectar. However, males can be quite aggressive and territorial, often not tolerating the presence of other males. In captivity, this territorial behavior can even lead to males harming females if they are unable to escape.

Females lay up to 10 eggs, and after about 40-45 days, the juveniles hatch. These young geckos reach sexual maturity in 10-12 months.

If you're considering keeping a Gold Dust Day Gecko as a pet, here are some care tips. They thrive in a large, well-planted terrarium with daytime temperatures around 28°C (82°F) and nighttime temperatures around 20°C (68°F). Maintain humidity levels between 65-75%. For their diet, offer a variety of insects such as crickets, waxworms, fruit flies, maggots, mealworms, and houseflies. They also enjoy fruits like mango and can benefit from commercially available fruit mixes.

With the right care, these geckos can be a delightful and colorful addition to your home!