Description:
Scientific name: Phelsuma lineata
Life span: 10 years or more
Three of these variants—ssp. lineata, ssp. bombetokensis, and ssp. punctulata—are currently classified as subspecies, but there may be further forms that belong in their own category and should be given species classification, as was the case with Phelsuma dorsivittata. With a medium-green base color, red spots on the lower back and head, and a brown to black lateral stripe on either side, males are more vivid than females. A blue tail is conceivable. There is a pale underside.
Native Region/Habitat
The northern and eastern regions of Madagascar are where you can find the lined day gecko. These regions have humid subtropical climates. Around the island’s east coast, mid- to low-elevated areas are home to the lined day gecko and its subspecies.
Behavior:
The general shyness and lightning speed of lined day geckos can make handling attempts challenging. Moreover, Day geckos possess the ability to shed their skin when threatened, much as how many lizards can slough off their skins in response to danger.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Enclosure Size: Lined day geckos require an enclosure that is sizable enough to allow them enough room to hunt, explore, and engage in other natural behaviors. Also, because they are arboreal, they require a terrarium with plenty of climbing area. The minimum recommended enclosure size for a single lined day gecko is 12″L x 12″W x 18″H / 30 x 30 x 45 cm or comparable, given that they can grow up to 6″/15 cm long.
Temperature Requirements: Because we have warm blood, humans’ bodies naturally regulate their internal temperatures. Yet, because they are cold-blooded, lined day geckos must migrate between environments with varying temperatures in order to maintain a constant body temperature. Lined day geckos can warm up by laying in a warm area of sunlight in the wild. A white incandescent heat lamp can simulate sunshine in an enclosed space.
- Temperature in the basking area: 28–30°C (82–86°F).
- Temperatures in general: 25–27°C (77–80°F).
- Temperature at night: 68-75°F (20-24°C)
Humidity Requirements: The ideal humidity for lined day geckos is between 50 to 80 percent, as determined by a digital probe hygrometer with the probe positioned in the centre of the enclosure. If the humidity is regularly too high or low, your gecko may experience health issues. Nonetheless, it is normal for humidity levels to be higher in cool areas and lower in warm areas. Also, it is typical and beneficial for humidity levels to change during the day and night.
Feeding
Since lined day geckos are omnivores, they require a well-balanced diet that includes both plant-based and animal-based meals in order to obtain the essential nutrients. They mostly consume insects, flower nectar, and fruit juice in the wild. This diet can be replicated for pets by combining meal replacement powder and live insects in the right proportions.
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