Description:
Scientific name: Phelsuma standingi
Life span: 10 years or more
P. standingi is one of the largest day gecko species still in existence. The body’s color can vary significantly depending on the amount of light. Its body and head may be brownish gray, bright green, or turquoise with reticulated markings in any color from gray to blue. Frequently, the head and tail are turquoise.
Native Region/Habitat
P. standingi is only found in the dry southwest of Madagascar, more precisely in the area of Andranolaho, Sakaraha, and in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. A distinctive thorn forest vegetation can be found here.
Behavior:
P. standingi, which lives in pairs on trees and is strictly an arboreal and diurnal species, spends a lot of time basking in the sun on the highest and most exposed branches. The females show this disposition towards other females, a behavior that is rather uncommon in geckos. The males are quite territorial and will fight when in the presence of other males.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Standing’s day geckos do well in aquariums. It is advised to use a terrarium with more height than breadth. Since Standing’s day geckos are primarily arboreal, it is essential to have things for climbing and hiding. Live plants give the animals hiding places and increase the humidity in the habitat. Newspaper or orchid bark, which retains humidity, are suggested substrate options because they are straightforward and quick to clean.
The ideal temperature range for Standing’s day geckos is between 75 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, with small (8 to 10 degree) temperature decreases at night. Standing’s day geckos should be exposed to a thermal gradient, which can be created by using an incandescent or floodlight bulb (positioned outside of the cage). Standing’s day geckos need a steady stream of clean water, so a drip system is suggested. Day geckos from Standing require humidity values between 40 and 80 percent. Although mostly insectivores, Standing’s day geckos will occasionally consume different kinds of fruit juice and nectar. Vitamins should be included to their diet as a supplement.
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