Description: This lizard reaches a total length of 9-11 inches, with females generally being smaller than males. The body colour is bright green or, rarely, bluish green. A red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. On the back there are typically red coloured dots or bars. These red markings are quite variable, and in some cases, completely absent, though the line extending from the nostril to the eye is always present. Some specimens may have small blue spots. Adult specimens may have large sacs on their necks. These are stored calcium sacks. Young individuals of the species often exhibit much more red than their parents, but as time passes, many of the markings fade, to leave those that will stay for the remainder of the gecko's life. The underside of these animals is a creamy white ranging to an eggy yellow. When stressed, the colouration darkens, rendering the whole animal a dark green, and the red markings on the face and back more orange in hue.

Habitat: Madagascar day geckos are arboreal. They inhabit trees in tropical rainforests, as well as trees in grassland and agricultural areas.

Range: This species is widely distributed in northern and northwest Madagascar. There are a few recorded populations of this species also in Florida and Hawaii. It was introduced to Reunion Island in the mid-1990s and can be found in Mauritius, mainly in the northern part of the island at first, then in Floreal and in the upper Plaine Wilhems, and has since spread to such an extent that the species is considered a threat to the native biodiversity.

Found in these States: FL | HI | MO

Diet: Madagascar day geckos eat a wide variety of arthropods. They also occasionally eat sweet fruits or nectar. Their main source of water is from the condensation found on leaves.

Reproduction: Madagascar day geckos engage in a courtship phase during mating. Sexually mature males have pores on the backs of their legs that become enlarged. They start to produce a waxy substance that looks like small droplets. Sexually mature females can have calcium deposits located on both sides of the neck. Males approach females with a jerky head swaying motion. This male behavior is usually in unison with rapid tongue flicking in the female. This seems to be some type of mating ritual, but the details of what is being assessed are unknown.

Males grab females between the head and neck with their teeth. As soon as this happens, the male's colors darken. Females usually emit a distress call when they are grasped. Males then rest their throats on the female's head and make a soft noise. This noise only lasts as long as the courtship. Males and females both lick their vents after they are out of the courtship embrace. It is unknown whether males or females seek additional matings.

Madagascar day geckos reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs several times per year. A clutch usually consists of 2 eggs and clutches are laid from January to July, with February to March being peak months. A female may produce multiple clutches in a single breeding season. After an incubation period of 47 to 82 days, the young hatch and are immediately self sufficient and independent. The young feed primarily on small insects and become sexually mature within one to two years.

Status: Listed as Least Concern on the basis that, while it has a known extent of occurrence of 9,226 km, it may be more widespread in northern Madagascar than currently indicated, it is apparently common and tolerant of disturbance within its known range, it is known from at least two protected areas, and there are no known major threats.

Taxonomy: