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ReptileTerrestrialIntermediate
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Peacock Day Gecko
Phelsuma quadriocellata
Peacock Day Gecko. A beautiful and active diurnal gecko with a bright emerald green body adorned with four blue-ringed black ocelli. Excellent climber.
Class:Squamata
Order:Squamata
Family:Gekkonidae
Genus:Phelsuma
Species:Phelsuma quadriocellata
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Environment
Terrestrial
Humidity
60 - 80 %
Day temperature
24 - 26 °C
Ambient temperature
24 °C
Night temperature
20 - 22 °C
Basking spot
30 - 32 °C
Adult size
6.1 cm
Minimum enclosure
>= 45 L
UVB
Medio
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Endemic to east-central Madagascar, inhabiting wet forests, banana plantations, and humid secondary growth. They prefer lower to mid-level vegetation. This species thrives in high humidity areas where vertical foliage is abundant. They are particularly active during mid-morning when the forest starts to warm up.
Taxonomy and Genetics: Family Gekkonidae. Commonly known as the Peacock Day Gecko due to the eye-like spots on its flanks that resemble peacock feathers. Unlike grandis, they remain small and require cooler temperatures. They are highly distinct within their genus due to their unique diagnostic markings. Genetic variations between different regional populations are currently being researched.
Behavior and Habits: Strictly diurnal, highly active, and territorial. They bask under intense light and hunt active insects. They are very skittish and not suitable for handling. Their rapid movements make them extremely difficult to catch or monitor closely. They possess keen eyesight that helps them detect potential prey or predators from afar.
Morphology: Small size, reaching 12-13 cm. Bright emerald green body with red spots on the back. Characterized by four black spots ringed with metallic blue (ocelli) behind the front limbs and in front of the hind limbs. Adult specimens display intense coloration under optimal UVB lighting. The contrast between the bright green body and the red spots on their back is a signature trait.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Terrarium Setup: Vertical tropical terrarium (minimum 45x45x60 cm). Provide smooth branches, bamboo tubes (used for shelter and egg-laying), and broad-leafed plants like Pothos and Bromeliads. Provide ample branching options of varying diameters to support physical exercise and exploration. Live plants are highly beneficial as they create microclimatic zones.
Lighting and Heating: Diurnal species. Provide a high-quality UVB light (forest level, Ferguson zone 2-3) and bright LED lamps. Basking spot should reach 30-32°C, with a cooler ambient temperature of 24-26°C. Night drop to 20-22°C. Avoid placing the enclosure in direct sunlight as it can cause dangerous temperature spikes. Ensure the basking lamp is protected by a wire guard to prevent burns.
Humidity and Hydration: Require high humidity (70-85%). Use an automatic misting system to spray twice daily. They drink water droplets from leaves; provide a shallow water dish on the floor. Ensure the substrate can hold moisture without becoming stagnant or moldy. Daily hand spraying or automated misting systems are vital to maintain humidity.
Feeding and Supplementation: Omnivorous. Feed small crickets, fruit flies, and moths. Include commercial crested gecko diet (CGD) or nectar paste served in elevated cups. Provide calcium at all times. Insects should be no larger than the space between the gecko's eyes. Dust all feeder insects with high-quality calcium and multivitamin powders.
Compatibility: Highly territorial. Never house males together. Can be kept in male-female pairs, but monitor for stress. Provide multiple hiding spots to reduce harassment. Separate pairs immediately if signs of stress, such as dark coloration or tail-wagging behavior, are observed. Females need a resting period after laying eggs.
Health and Common Diseases: Never try to grab them; they exhibit skin sloughing as a defense mechanism, tearing off skin chunks which can lead to infection. Prone to calcium deficiency if UVB/diet is poor. Regular veterinary check-ups and fecal tests are recommended to rule out parasites. Ensure the skin sheds cleanly, particularly around the toes and tail tip.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Endemic to east-central Madagascar, inhabiting wet forests, banana plantations, and humid secondary growth. They prefer lower to mid-level vegetation. This species thrives in high humidity areas where vertical foliage is abundant. They are particularly active during mid-morning when the forest starts to warm up.
Origin
Africa and Madagascar
Reptile profile
- Diet
- No verified data available
- Life expectancy
- No verified data available
- Adult size
- 6.1 cm
- Lifestyle/Microhabitat
- No verified data available
- Activity cycle
- No verified data available
- Sociality
- No verified data available
- Reproduction
- No verified data available
- Handling tolerance
- No verified data available
- Brumation
- No verified data available
- Molting
- No verified data available
The catalog's scalar value is 6.1 cm. The ReptTraits v1.2 source reports a maximum adult measurement of 6.1 cm for this species, recorded as snout–vent length (SVL). These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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