Phelsuma laticauda Coloration question

[GeckosForDays]

I've been thinking about setting up a biotope terrarium for a pair of gold dust day geckos and while I've been looking through every video of captive gold dust day geckos I came across something consistent with the coloration of the specimens. I have noticed that captive Phelsuma Laticauda lack the bright sky blue coloration in their legs and tail area. I have read somewhere that the species displays the best coloration when exposed to bright and powerful lights but I do not know the credibility of that statement. I also thought about the possibility that this could be a genetic mutation to captive breeding (similar to albinos and other recessive traits). So if any of you knowledgeable herpetologists know anything at all with what affects the coloration in this species I would appreciate it.

Here are some pictures to give a good representation of what I am talking about:
Wild Specimen

Captive Specimen

 

[acpart]

My reading suggests also that the difference in coloration is due to lighting. I recommend you contact Leann Christenson ([email protected]) because I think she has a lot to say about Phelsuma and lighting. She will be part of an article in Gecko Time next week or the week after where she'll be discussing LED lighting and day geckos.

Aliza

 

[GeckosForDays]

Tried calling the number available on their website and they seemed busy. Does anyone know how much watts of UV light day geckos need in order to sustain their vivid coloration?

 

[acpart]

Send her an email. I just emailed her about something else last night and told her someone may email her with a question about lighting. ALso, check out her book "Day Geckos in Captivity" where she discusses lighting extensively and even recommends a specific light (though she may have changed her mind lately with the availability of LEDs).

Aliza