Gold Dust Day Gecko
Phelsuma laticauda
The gold dust day gecko is a small, brilliantly colored day gecko famous for its vibrant green body dusted with gold or yellow speckles - and for being the inspiration for the GEICO gecko mascot. Native to Madagascar and now established in Hawaii and Florida, these active little geckos reach only 4-6 inches, making them more manageable than giant day geckos while offering the same diurnal activity and stunning coloration. Like all day geckos, they have delicate skin that tears easily and are primarily display animals rather than handling pets. Gold dust day geckos thrive in smaller planted vivaria and are excellent for keepers wanting an active, beautiful gecko in a compact setup.
lizard
omnivore
4-6 inches
10-15 years
diurnal
skittish
6/10
Recommended Setup
Essential gear for Gold Dust Day Gecko
Curated picks for a complete first-time setup. Affiliate links — purchases support the site at no extra cost to you.
Recommended Enclosure
18x18x24 vertical planted vivarium — the foundation of any successful setup.
View on AmazonSubstrate
Bioactive mix or coconut fiber. Planted setup ideal. substrate matched to natural habitat.
View on AmazonThermostat
Non-negotiable safety. Controls heat sources to prevent fires and burns. The Inkbird ITC-308 is the de facto standard.
View on AmazonCalcium + D3 Supplement
Daily for growing reptiles, several times per week for adults. Pair with proper UVB — supplements alone don't replace it.
View on AmazonMultiple Hides
Reptiles need cover on both warm and cool sides. Open enclosures cause chronic stress — appetite issues, glass surfing, and refusal to bask.
View on AmazonReptile Vault is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Recommendations are based on industry standards and keeper experience.
Warnings
Delicate skin, not a handling pet, fast and flighty, small size makes them harder to catch if escaped
