Gold Dust Day Gecko

Names and classification

Scientific name

Phelsuma laticauda

Common names

Gold Dust Day Gecko

Family

Gekkonidae

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Kauaʻi occurrence

Present

Origin

Introduced

Conservation status

Not assessed

Evidence limits

Occurrence is supported; local abundance and impact estimates remain less certain than presence.

Habitat and ecology

Habitats

Trees, shrubs, gardens, buildings and other warm lowland structures.

Food and resource needs

Arthropods plus nectar/fruit and other sugary resources.

Reproduction

Species-appropriate egg-laying sites or live-bearing conditions; stable microclimate.

Shelter

Bark, foliage, rock, litter, crevices, walls, or woody debris depending on species.

Threats and conservation

Threats

Potential competition with other geckos and predation on native arthropods; human-mediated spread remains possible.

Conservation actions

Early detection, containment/control where feasible, prevent intentional release or transport, protect high-value native habitats, and monitor ecological effects.

Monitoring

Repeat island occurrence surveys, population trend monitoring, and impact studies using standardized methods.

Data gaps

Current population distribution, abundance, and Kauaʻi-specific ecological effect sizes remain incompletely quantified.

Process and seasonal context

Seasonal timing

Generally year-round in Hawaiʻi; local activity varies with temperature and moisture

Seasonal description

Gold Dust Day Gecko (Phelsuma laticauda) is a documented established nonnative species on Kauaʻi.

Sources and further reading

• Bishop Museum — Hawaiian Reptile & Amphibian Checklist
• iNaturalist — Kauaʻi Check List