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Description
Standing’s Day Gecko
Scientific Name: Phelsuma standingi
Common Name: Standing’s Day Gecko, Standing’s Giant Day Gecko
Species Overview
Size: Adult Standing’s Day Geckos typically reach 9–11 inches (23–28 cm) in total length, including the tail, making them one of the largest members of the Phelsuma genus. They are robust and heavily built, with broad heads and muscular limbs suited for climbing.
Appearance: Standing’s Day Gecko is a visually stunning species known for its blue-green to turquoise body, often fading into a pale beige or grey base near the head and tail. The body is adorned with faint vertical bands or reticulated markings of darker grey or brown. The head often carries soft orange or rust-coloured flecks, and the tail may appear slightly lighter than the rest of the body. The eyes are large and silver-grey with a dark vertical pupil. Colouration can shift subtly with mood, light, and temperature.
Distribution: Endemic to the arid and semi-arid regions of southwestern Madagascar, particularly around the Toliara (Tuléar) and Andranolaho areas.
Habitat: In the wild, Standing’s Day Geckos inhabit dry forests and spiny scrublands, often found on large trees and baobabs where they bask and hunt for insects. In captivity, they thrive in tall enclosures with good ventilation, strong lighting, and moderate humidity, replicating their naturally bright but drier environment.
Behaviour: These geckos are diurnal, alert, and highly territorial. Males, in particular, can be aggressive toward one another and must be housed separately. They are intelligent and curious, often visible throughout the day. Though they rarely tolerate handling, they make extraordinary display reptiles, showcasing striking colour and personality when housed properly.
Captive Care
Enclosure: Provide a vertically oriented terrarium measuring at least 24 inches × 18 inches × 36 inches (60 × 45 × 90 cm) for one adult. Include sturdy branches, cork bark, and hardy live plants such as Sansevieria or Dracaena for climbing and cover. Good ventilation is essential, and the enclosure should allow open basking areas under bright light.
Temperature & Humidity: Maintain daytime temperatures between 80–88°F (27–31°C) with a basking spot reaching up to 92°F (33°C). Nighttime temperatures can drop to 70–74°F (21–23°C). Humidity should range from 50–70%, achieved through light daily misting, allowing the enclosure to dry between sprays to mimic their native climate.
Lighting: Standing’s Day Geckos require high-intensity full-spectrum lighting with UVB output of 7–10%. A strong basking lamp is essential for thermoregulation and maintaining their vibrant colour. Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle and shaded areas for cooling and rest.
Diet: Offer a varied diet of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, roaches, and black soldier fly larvae, supplemented with high-quality gecko fruit and nectar diets. Adults should be fed every other day, while juveniles may be fed daily. Dust insect prey with calcium and multivitamin supplements regularly to ensure proper bone health and vivid coloration.
Behaviour in Captivity: Standing’s Day Geckos are intelligent, bold, and often develop predictable routines, especially around feeding times. They are highly visual display animals, known to bask prominently and actively patrol their territory. With proper lighting and space, they exhibit striking behaviour and coloration.
Special Considerations: Avoid housing males together, as severe aggression can occur. Standing’s Day Geckos require more heat and less humidity than most Phelsuma species. Provide strong lighting, dry basking zones, and good airflow to prevent respiratory issues. Handling should be avoided, as their skin is fragile and can easily tear.
Taxonomy Note
The Standing’s Day Gecko (Phelsuma standingi) belongs to the family Gekkonidae and is part of the large-bodied Phelsuma species group that includes P. grandis and P. madagascariensis. Native to southwestern Madagascar, it occupies a unique ecological niche among day geckos due to its adaptation to drier, more open habitats. Its size, colouration, and relatively docile nature make it one of the most recognizable and prized Phelsuma species in herpetoculture.
Genetics Note
There are currently no recognized morphs or selectively bred variants of Phelsuma standingi. However, natural variation occurs in base coloration and banding intensity between individuals and local populations. These differences are naturally occurring and not the result of selective breeding.