Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi)
Area of Origin: Kimboza forest, Tanzania
General: These diurnal geckos vary in length from about 6-10cm. The male is a vibrant blue colour, and the female is a shimmering olive/green. Both sexes are bright orange underneath. Lifespan is believed to be up to 10 years.
Suitability: Intermediate
HousingGeneral: These diurnal geckos vary in length from about 6-10cm. The male is a vibrant blue colour, and the female is a shimmering olive/green. Both sexes are bright orange underneath. Lifespan is believed to be up to 10 years.
Suitability: Intermediate
A single gecko, or a male/female pair can be kept in an exo-terra 30x30x45cm terrarium. They are very active lizards, and will use more space if they have it. Recommended substrate is a humus/soil type, about 2 inches deep. This helps retain humidity and can be mixed with sphagnum moss if desired. They appreciate being able to climb, and braches, vines and plastic plants are all made full use of.
Temperature
An ambient temperature of mid to high 20’s C and a basking spot of 32C is required for these lizards. A spot bulb or compact UV bulb is the best way to provide the correct temperature. A drop of a few degrees at night can be beneficial. It is always best to check temperatures with a reliable thermometer.
Lighting
Electric blue day geckos are active in the day, and therefore need UVb light. In a small enclosure, a compact UV bulb is sufficient, and may also double as a basking spot. A 5% UV bulb is usually sufficient. It is best to provide a day night cycle and about 12 hours on and 12 hours off seems to work well with these geckos.
Humidity
A humidity of around 70% is ideal for these geckos, but the will manage with humidity between 50 and 80%. This is best achieved by spraying the enclosure once or twice a day with a misting bottle. This will also provide droplets of water for your gecko to lick off the leaves and the sides of the tank.
Feeding
Electric blue day geckos are insectivores. Due to the small size of these lizards, smaller insects such as fruit flies, small crickets, and silkworm moths are appreciated. These should be dusted with calcium daily, and a good vitamin supplement once or twice a week. They may eat a fruit puree and honey mixture, or even a complete gecko diet, but insects should be the staple food.
Breeding
Courtship behaviour includes head bobbing and face licking. One or more usually two eggs will be glued to the inside of the vivarium or its branches. Incubation temps are similar to the vivarium temps, and the eggs can often be incubated in situ. The young should not be left with the adults, as they will be eaten. A small plastic container taped over the eggs will prevent this.
Buying Tips
Watch the gecko carefully for a while to gauge it's health and temperament. Healthy electric blue day geckos are fast and agile, and usually very active. Look for taught skin, clear bright eyes, and good colour, with no deformity of the legs or tail.
Varieties
None known at present.