Species · GBIF taxon 2447558
Giant Day Gecko
Phelsuma grandisAlso known as Madagascar Giant Day Gecko
These brilliant green lizards spend their days basking on sunlit tree trunks and broad palm fronds, actively hunting insects and licking sweet nectar. Bold and highly territorial, males engage in head-bobbing displays and vocal clicks to defend their feeding spots from rivals. When threatened by predators, they can slough off large patches of their own skin to escape, leaving the attacker with a mouthful of scales while the gecko flees to regenerate.
DiurnalArborealColorful
Licensed referenceno rights reserved, uploaded by Marius Burger · cc0
- diet
- Invertebrates, small vertebrates, nectar, and sweet fruit
- family
- Gekkonidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction and localized collection for the pet trade
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years
LC
Capable of delivering a painful bite if cornered; observe without handling to protect their fragile skin.
Can deliver a sharp, defensive bite if grabbed, and their skin tears easily as a defense mechanism, leaving them vulnerable to infection.
Never attempt to catch or hold them; observe their active foraging from a respectful distance.- Look up: Scan tree trunks, broad-leafed plants, and sunny walls where they bask.
- Do not touch: Avoid handling because their skin tears easily as a defense mechanism.
- Listen closely: Listen for their soft clicking or squeaking sounds used to communicate.