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What Is a Gold Dust Gecko?

B. Chisholm
B. Chisholm

The gold dust gecko or Phelsuma laticauda laticauda is a small reptile, native to the islands of Northern Madagascar, but also found on some of the Hawaiian islands, probably due to the pet trade. Due to its beauty, it is popular as an exotic pet. They are brightly colored, with gold specks, earning them their name.

Northern Madagascar, situated east of Africa in the Indian Ocean, is the natural habitat of the gold dust gecko. They live in trees both in rural and urban areas and feed on insects, fruit nectar and other small lizards. When kept as pets, they require a large terrarium with plenty of light, humidity and warmth and, preferably, tropical plants, as their natural habitat is tropical. Without sufficient light and warmth, even the brightest colored gold dust gecko will lose its brilliant coloring.

Gold dust geckos are native to the islands of Northern Madagascar.
Gold dust geckos are native to the islands of Northern Madagascar.

Predominantly green in color, the gold dust gecko may become bluer toward the feet. They have blue eyelids and red marks between their eyes and on their backs, close to the tail. Gold speckles are seen on their backs behind the head and on the tail. The gold dust gecko normally remains between 4 and 6 inches (10.16 to 15.24 cm) in size. Despite their small size, a large cage is necessary if keeping them in captivity as they are shy creatures, and require numerous hiding places to prevent them from becoming stressed.

The male gold dust gecko is very territorial and can become aggressive toward other males. During breeding season the female gecko needs only one coupling and will then lay up to five sets of eggs, two at a time, throughout the season. When breeding these small pets in captivity it is advisable to separate the juvenile geckos as even they may become aggressive and fight with each other. While the males tend to be more aggressive, it is not unknown for females to fight. When keeping them in a cage, their behavior should be monitored and they should be separated if necessary.

Exotic pets, such as pet lizards or geckos, require a lot of care and upkeep. While the gold dust gecko is very beautiful, it does not like to be interacted with too much and easily becomes stressed and aggressive. Before buying an exotic pet, it is vital to seek expert advice on housing, feeding and handling of the specific pet to ensure their longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gold Dust Gecko?

A Gold Dust Gecko, scientifically known as Phelsuma laticauda, is a small, vibrant lizard native to Madagascar and the Comoros islands. It's known for its bright green color and the gold speckles that give it its name. These geckos are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees, and are popular in the pet trade due to their striking appearance.

What does the Gold Dust Gecko eat?

Gold Dust Geckos are omnivorous, primarily feeding on insects like crickets and flies. They also have a sweet tooth for nectar and fruit, which provides them with additional moisture and nutrients. In captivity, a diet of fruit purees and gut-loaded insects is recommended to mimic their natural diet and ensure proper nutrition.

How big do Gold Dust Geckos get?

Gold Dust Geckos are relatively small, reaching an adult size of about 4 to 6 inches in length, including their tail. Their size makes them manageable pets and allows them to navigate the foliage of their arboreal habitat with agility and precision, hunting for food and avoiding predators.

Are Gold Dust Geckos endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Gold Dust Geckos are not considered endangered. They are listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), indicating a stable population. However, habitat loss and the pet trade can impact their numbers, so conservation efforts remain important.

Can Gold Dust Geckos be kept as pets?

Yes, Gold Dust Geckos can be kept as pets. They are known for being relatively easy to care for, although they do require a controlled environment with proper humidity and temperature. A terrarium with ample vegetation and climbing surfaces is ideal. Prospective owners should research their needs thoroughly to provide proper care.

How do Gold Dust Geckos reproduce?

Gold Dust Geckos are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. Females typically lay a clutch of two eggs, which they often attach to the underside of leaves or in crevices. The eggs require a warm and humid environment to incubate successfully. After about 40 to 45 days, the eggs hatch into miniature versions of the adults.

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    • Gold dust geckos are native to the islands of Northern Madagascar.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Gold dust geckos are native to the islands of Northern Madagascar.