Adaptations of Day Geckos

Around 25 species of day gecko belong to the genus phelsuma, most of which live on the island of Madagascar or on other nearby islands. They tend to be brightly colored lizards with striking patterns. The lizards also tend to be small, growing to around 4 to 6 inches in length, on average.

  1. Physical Adaptations

    • Day geckos are robust lizards that have adapted specialized toes to help them climb vertical surfaces. The toes are round with hundreds of tiny hairs on them known as setae, which help the geckos grip as they climb. Coloration varies with species and is generally adapted to effect camouflage in the gecko's favorite trees. To escape predators, the day gecko has adapted to be able to break off and regrow sections of its tail, if grabbed.

    Behavioral Adaptations

    • Day geckos are most active during daylight, which is unlike most geckos who are out at night. The day geckos' eyes reflect this by having large round pupils as opposed to the narrow slits found with nocturnal species. The geckos have adapted to live a life in the trees, which keeps them away from most ground predators. They have also adapted to be highly territorial, often not tolerating members of the same or opposite sex in their small home range. The geckos are also among the few lizards that make vocalizations, having adapted a way to produce a clicking sound with the roof of the mouth and tongue.

    Feeding Adaptations

    • Day geckos have adapted to be omnivores, feeding on insects, fruits and sometimes honey if they can find it. Having an adaptable diet means that the gecko can usually find something to eat even when certain foods are scarce. To capture food that moves, day geckos have adapted a stalk-and-wait hunting method. They will move as close to insects as they can without startling them and wait until the prey comes within striking distance. They then lunge forward, snapping the insects up into their mouths. This is efficient because day geckos do not move quickly and find it hard to chase prey.

    Breeding Adaptations

    • Unlike some lizards, day geckos do not produce large clutches of eggs, generally only laying two at a time. To maximize the breeding season, females will lay several clutches, which take just two to three months to hatch. As an added adaptation to improve breeding numbers, day lizards mature quickly. Most species reach sexual maturity within a year of hatching.