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Electric blue day gecko

Lygodactylus williamsi

PZ Bugs@Home Misc 08 21 ONB HR 5
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae

Paignton Zoo is home to five of these vibrant little geckos. You can find them in our Bugs At Home enclosure.

These colourful little lizards are endemic to a small area of Tanzania, the Kimboza Forest, living only on one specific type of palm tree, the Screwpine.

Interesting facts!

  • Mature, dominant males are brilliant blue in colour, while females and younger males are more of a coppery green or blue-green mix. As they are not venomous, they rely on their vibrant appearance to survive in their natural habitat.
  • The electric blue day gecko are super tiny, reaching only about 3 inches in length!
  • Unlike many gecko species that are nocturnal, electric blue day geckos are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They can often be seen basking in the sun and actively foraging during daylight hours.
  • Electric blue day geckos primarily feed on small insects, such as fruit flies, crickets, and other invertebrates. They also enjoy sugary foods like nectar and fruit, which supplement their diet.

Conservation

Due to habitat loss and illegal capture for the pet trade, Electric blue day geckos are listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its limited habitat range makes it highly vulnerable to habitat loss, efforts are underway to protect their natural habitat and regulate their trade.