Breed profile

Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma)

Bright green. Diurnal (rare in geckos). Perfect eyesight.

Origin: Madagascar Size: Pequeño Lifespan: 10-20 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Those seeking an exotic pet with a technical commitment
✓Patient people (reptiles need time to build trust)
✓Homes with room for a terrarium

Reconsider if

×Homes with young children without supervision
×People without prior experience (consult an exotics vet first)
×A life 100% in a small terrarium (cruel)

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Is the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of handling

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

20-35 €/month

Insects + nectar/purée 8-15 € + supplements 2-4 € + UVB/heat electricity 6-12 € + UVB depreciation.

History and origin

Day geckos of the genus Phelsuma, brightly coloured green, native to Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands; they require UVB owing to their diurnal activity.

Temperament and character

Reptiles are NOT social like mammals. They tolerate handling but do not seek company. Trust is earned with patience.

Living together

Children: depends on the species + supervised handling. **Other pets:** avoid — risk both ways. **Other reptiles:** depending on species, separate terrariums are better.

Life stages of the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma)

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 10-20 años.

Hatchling/Neonate

0-3 months

Unlike other geckos, it is diurnal: it needs UVB; heat 28-30 °C, high humidity; micro-insects and nectar with calcium.

Juvenile

3-12 months

Small insects and fruit purée/nectar with calcium; humid planted terrarium with UVB.

Subadult

1-2 years

Planted vertical terrarium, quality UVB and a thermal gradient; very delicate skin, minimal handling.

Adult

2+ years

A mixed insect/nectar diet, constant UVB and humidity; monitor the frequent egg-laying in females.

Care

Terrarium: minimum size depending on species (consult species-specific guides). UVB is mandatory for diurnal species.

Temperature: day/night gradient · warm vs cool zone for thermoregulation.

Humidity: depending on species (rainforest 70%+ · desert 30-50%).

Feeding: species-specific diet · insectivores, herbivores and carnivores vary radically.

Veterinary care: exotics vet (a general vet will NOT do). Annual check-up.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Insectivorous and nectarivorous: small insects dusted with calcium plus fruit purées/nectar for day geckos. Water by misting.

✂️ Grooming

It is not bathed; humidity and misting ensure complete sheds. Watch the toes.

🎓 Training

An observation species: the skin tears when it is held, so it is NOT handled. Enjoy it in a planted terrarium.

🏃 Exercise

A heavily planted vertical terrarium with bamboo/branches, UVB and a basking spot (28-30 °C), ambient 24-28 °C and humidity 60-70%.

Breed-specific health

Lack of UVB (rickets, MBD), parasites, respiratory infections from incorrect humidity. Life expectancy 10-20 years when well cared for.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦎Enfermedad osea metabolica (reptiles)🦎Disecdisis (muda incompleta en reptiles)🥚Retencion de huevos (distocia en reptiles)

Common diseases in reptiles

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

☠️Intoxicación / envenenamiento 🦎Enfermedad osea metabolica (reptiles)🥶Hipotermia 🩸Hemorragia (sangrado importante)🦎Estomatitis infecciosa (boca podrida)🦎Enfermedad metabolica por mala dieta (reptiles)

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma)

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Faecal exam (parasites)
✓MBD assessment
✓Skin inspection (it is very delicate and tears)
✓Hydration and shedding monitoring

Prevention

UVB is mandatory (diurnal species), renewed every 6-12 months, along with calcium/D3 and hydration by misting. Minimal handling: the skin is fragile and tears easily.

Check-up schedule

Check-up with an exotics vet at acquisition and annually.

Warning signs

!Soft jaw or tremors (MBD)
!Wounds or skin tears from handling
!Retained shed on the toes
!Lethargy and sunken eyes (dehydration)

Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) gallery

Foto de la raza gecko diurno — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma)

How long does a Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) live?

▾

The life expectancy of the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) is 10-20 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) weigh?

▾

An adult Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) weighs between 15-50g, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is pequeño.

Where does the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) breed come from?

▾

The Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) originates from Madagascar. Day geckos of the genus Phelsuma, brightly coloured green, native to Madagascar and other Indian Ocean islands; they require UVB owing to their diurnal activity.

How much exercise does a Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) need?

▾

The Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) has media energy. **Terrarium:** minimum size depending on species (consult species-specific guides). UVB is mandatory for diurnal species.

Is the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) good with children?

▾

**Children:** depends on the species + supervised handling. **Other pets:** avoid — risk both ways. **Other reptiles:** depending on species, separate terrariums are better.

Who is the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) NOT recommended for?

▾

It isn't the right breed for: Homes with young children without supervision. People without prior experience (consult an exotics vet first). A life 100% in a small terrarium (cruel). It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma) have?

▾

Lack of UVB (rickets, MBD), parasites, respiratory infections from incorrect humidity. Life expectancy 10-20 years when well cared for.

Why should it not be handled?

▾

Its skin is extremely delicate and tears easily when held, leaving scars. It is an animal to be observed only.

Does it need UVB?

▾

Yes, without a doubt: it is a day gecko and requires UVB to fix calcium; without it, it develops metabolic bone disease.

What does it eat besides insects?

▾

It is also nectarivorous: it accepts purées and fruit nectar made specifically for day geckos, along with small insects with calcium.

Is it unusual for a gecko to be diurnal?

▾

Yes. Most geckos are nocturnal; Phelsuma are active by day and have very vivid green colours.

Learn more about reptiles

Practical veterinary guides to support your Gecko Diurno (Phelsuma).

📖

Reptile guide

Tortoises, geckos, bearded dragons

🌡️

Terrarium

UVB + temperature

🐾

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Sources and references

Content compiled from official breed standards and leading veterinary sources.

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