Do Day Geckos Need UVB?
Day geckos may be small and cute, but they also require a lot of specialized care to ensure they remain healthy. One of the most important questions potential day gecko owners have is whether or not they require UVB lighting. The answer is that it depends on the type of day geckos and their environment.
Types of Day Geckos
Day geckos are found in many parts of the world and come in several varieties. These include:
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- Madagascan Lineage Day Geckos, which include Phelsuma species such as P. standingi and P. grandis.
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- Giant Day Geckos, such as the Rhacodactylus leachianus.
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- Gargoyle Geckos, such as the Rhacodactylus auriculatus.
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- Indo-Pacific Lineage Day Geckos, including P. klemmeri, P. quadriocellata, and P. laticauda.
Do Day Geckos Need UVB Lighting?
The answer depends on the type of day gecko and its environment. In general, Madagascan Lineage Day Geckos, such as P. standingi and P. grandis, do not require UVB lighting to remain healthy. This is because they usually live in shaded areas, such as forests and rocky crevices.
Gargoyle Geckos and Giant Day Geckos, on the other hand, live in more open, sunny habitats and will benefit greatly from exposure to UVB lighting. This type of lighting mimics the sun, which helps them regulate their body temperatures and synthesize Vitamin D3. Indo-Pacific Lineage Day Geckos can also benefit from UVB exposure, but it is not as critical for their health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, day geckos require specialized care depending on their type and environment. Madagascan Lineage Day Geckos do not require UVB lighting to remain healthy, while the Giant and Gargoyle species are more likely to benefit from UVB exposure. Indo-Pacific Lineage Day Geckos can also benefit, although it is not as critical for their health.
