Reptile
Gold Dust Day Gecko
Phelsuma laticaudaAlso known as Gold Dust Gecko, Broad-tailed Day Gecko
Gold dust day geckos are bright green or yellow-green lizards adorned with fine gold speckles across their neck and shoulders. Active during daylight, they spend their time darting across palm fronds, tree trunks, and sunlit house walls to hunt insects and lap sweet nectar. Their extremely delicate skin can tear off as an escape mechanism, allowing them to slip away when grabbed by predators.
DiurnalColorfulArboreal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyInsects, Nectar, Fruit Juice
Predators
- Birds
- Snakes
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsHabitat loss and overcollection for the exotic pet trade
HabitatsTropical rainforests, coconut groves, banana plantations, and suburban gardens
Life span10–15 years
Classification
- FamilyGekkonidae
- GenusPhelsuma
- SpeciesPhelsuma laticauda
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Patience: Stand quietly near sunny tree trunks or porch lights to watch them forage.
- Handling: Never grab these geckos, as their fragile skin tears easily to escape.
- Observation: Look for them on broad leaves and outdoor walls during warm, sunny morning hours.
Competitor Vengolis / CC BY-SA 3.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Marius Burger · cc0
Close Relative Hectonichus / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Rafael Medina, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Emerald Kingdom
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