Gold Dust Day Gecko Care: Essential Tips & Advice

The Gold Dust Day Gecko Care, scientifically known as Phelsuma laticauda, is a small, vibrant lizard species native to Madagascar and the Comoros. This species has become popular in the pet trade and has established populations in Hawaii and other regions. These geckos are known for their bright green bodies adorned with yellow speckles, blue eye rings, and red markings on their backs.

They primarily inhabit trees and shrubs, where they feed on insects, nectar, and fruits. They play a role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations and pollinating flowers.

These Gold Dust Day Gecko Care have adhesive toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces, an adaptation that aids in their arboreal lifestyle. In captivity, they require enclosures that mimic their natural habitats, with ample climbing opportunities and appropriate lighting to maintain their health.

Table of Contents

Species Summary

Physical Description

Size: Adults typically measure 4 to 6 inches in length.
Color: Bright green with gold dust-like speckles on their back, often with a blue or turquoise hue around the eyes. They may also have red markings on their snout and head.

Habitat

Native Range: Madagascar.
Introduced Range: Hawaii and other Pacific islands.
Environment: Prefer humid, tropical climates and are often found in trees, shrubs, and sometimes on buildings.

Behavior

Diurnal: Active during the day.
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on insects, nectar, and fruit.
Social Structure: Generally solitary but can be seen in pairs during mating season.

Reproduction

Eggs: Females lay one or two eggs at a time, which hatch after about 40 to 60 days.

Interesting Facts

Introduced Species: In Hawaii, they were introduced to control insect populations but have also impacted local ecosystems.
Popularity in Pet Trade: Their bright colors and relatively easy care make them popular pets among reptile enthusiasts.

Ecological Role

Pest Control: Helps control insect populations.
Pollination: By feeding on nectar, they can aid in the pollination of certain plants.

Care in Captivity

Enclosure: Requires a well-ventilated, humid enclosure with plenty of foliage and climbing surfaces.
Diet in Captivity: A diet of commercially available insects, fruit purees, and nectar substitutes is recommended.

Appearance & Colors

Body Color: The primary color of the Gold Dust Day Gecko Care is a bright green to blue-green. This vibrant hue helps them blend into their leafy surroundings.
Gold Dust Spots: They have small, bright yellow or gold spots scattered on their back and head, which give them their name. These spots often resemble specks of gold dust.

Red Markings: Typically, these geckos have red or orange markings on their snout, above their eyes, and sometimes on their back. These markings can vary in intensity and pattern among individuals.
Size: They are relatively small, usually measuring about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in total length.
Eyes: Their eyes are large and prominent, with round pupils that give them excellent vision for spotting prey and predators.

Gold Dust Day Gecko Size

Gold Dust Day Geckos (Phelsuma laticauda) typically reach a size of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in total length, including their tail.

Lifespan

In the wild, their lifespan can be shorter due to predators and environmental factors. With optimal conditions, some individuals might live even longer, up to 15 years.

Tank Size

Caring for a Gold Dust Day Gecko Care involves creating an appropriate habitat with a vertical terrarium, as they are arboreal. Use a substrate like coconut fiber or orchid bark to maintain humidity, and include plants, branches, and bamboo for climbing and hiding.

Feed them small insects like crickets, fruit flies, and mealworms, dusting them with a calcium supplement 2-3 times a week. Offer pureed fruits or commercially available gecko diets, as they enjoy fruits like papaya, mango, and banana. Ensure they have access to water droplets on plants or a shallow water dish. Minimize handling to avoid stress, as they are delicate and can drop their tails.

Habitat Setup

Enclosure: Choose a terrarium that provides ample vertical space, as these geckos are arboreal and enjoy climbing.
Substrate: Use a substrate that retains moisture well, such as coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, or a mix of these. This helps maintain humidity levels.

Temperature: Provide a temperature gradient in the enclosure. Use a heat lamp or a heat mat to achieve these temperatures, and always monitor with a reliable thermometer.

Temperature & Lighting

Temperature:

Heat Sources: Use a combination of a heat lamp and/or a heat mat to achieve the desired temperature range.

Lighting:

UVB Light: Provide a UVB light to help with vitamin D3 synthesis. A 5.0 UVB fluorescent bulb is recommended.
Light Cycle: Maintain a consistent light cycle of 12-14 hours of light and 10-12 hours of darkness. This simulates natural day-night cycles and helps regulate the gecko’s circadian rhythm.
Placement: Ensure that the gecko has access to both the UVB light and the basking spot but can also move to cooler or darker areas if needed.

Humidity

Maintaining proper humidity is essential for the well-being of Gold Dust Day Gecko Care.
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels accurately and adjust misting as needed.
Choose a substrate that retains moisture well, such as coconut fiber or sphagnum moss, to help keep humidity consistent. Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and occasional soaking, which also contributes to ambient humidity.

Food & Diet

Insects: Offer a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, mealworms, and fruit flies. These insects should be well-fed with a nutritious diet before being offered to the gecko.
Supplements: Use a calcium powder without vitamin D3 for regular feedings, and a multivitamin supplement once or twice a week.
Feeding Frequency: Adjust the frequency based on the gecko’s age, size, and appetite.
Variety: Occasionally include small amounts of fruit or nectar to provide variety. Offer fruits like mashed banana or papaya, but ensure they are provided in small quantities and as a supplement to their primary insect diet.

Potential Health Problems

Respiratory infections can result from poor humidity or temperature conditions, with signs such as labored breathing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Maintain appropriate humidity and temperature levels to avoid these issues.

Parasites, including external mites or internal worms, can affect health. Look for signs like abnormal shedding, weight loss, or visible mites. Regular checks for parasites and consultation with a vet are recommended.

Skin issues, such as abnormal shedding, skin lesions, or infections, may arise. Ensure adequate humidity to aid proper shedding and monitor for any unusual skin changes. Digestive problems, like impaction, can occur if the gecko ingests unsuitable substrate or food. Use a suitable substrate and provide a varied diet to avoid this.

Handling Them

Support Properly: Use both hands to support the Gold Dust Day Gecko Care body, with one hand underneath and the other gently holding it from above. This helps prevent drops and provides a sense of security.
Short Sessions: Keep handling sessions brief, especially initially. Aim for a few minutes at a time and gradually increase the duration as the Gold Dust Day Gecko Care becomes more comfortable.
Avoid the Tail: Be careful not to grab or pull the tail, as geckos can drop their tails as a defense mechanism.
Provide Hiding Spots: This allows them to retreat and feel secure, reducing stress during handling.
Wash Hands: Before and after handling, wash your hands to prevent transferring oils, scents, or potential contaminants to or from the gecko.