Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat

Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.

Madagascar giant day gecko

Scientific name: Phelsuma grandis


Madagascar giant day gecko

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Family: GEKKONIDAE

Group: Reptiles

Shyness: Suspicious

Safe distance: 3 m

Breeding season / Courtship: 01.01-31.07

Gestation: 47–82 jours

Births: 01.03-31.09


Habitat:
tropical forests, mangroves, shrublands

Description:
The Phelsuma grandis, or Madagascar giant day gecko, is a fascinating lizard native to Madagascar, known for its vibrant colors and impressive size, reaching up to 30 cm in length. Its skin is typically green with red and blue spots, allowing it to blend effectively into its natural habitat. This gecko is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It primarily feeds on insects, fruits, and nectar. In captivity, it is appreciated for its beauty and relatively docile behavior, although it requires a carefully controlled environment to thrive.

Recommended lens:
>=Macro

Photography tips:
To photograph the Phelsuma grandis, choose times of the day when natural light is abundant, as this gecko is diurnal. Use a macro lens to capture the details of its colorful skin. Approach slowly to avoid startling it, and maintain a distance of at least 3 meters. A tripod can be useful to stabilize your camera, especially if using a significant zoom. Try to capture the gecko in its natural habitat to add context to your photos.

Ready to take action?

Choose your platform and start your free trial today