Ornate Day Gecko Phelsuma ornata is characterized by its soft skin, bizarre eyes, specialized feet, and brilliant colors. They display striking patterns of greens, blues, yellows, reds, and oranges. This species is one of the smallest reptiles in the world, ranging in length from 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Its tail brakes easily, but will begin to regenerate after only a few days. There is sexual dimorphism. Males are generally more massive.

Ornate Day Geckoes are omnivorous, feeding on insects, nectar, saps, juices and consuming pollen and fruits. They are diurnal (active during the day) and arboreal. The Day Gecko is the most vocal of all geckoes. This species has a wide variety of predators, including snakes and large vertebrae. Its skin, easily torn, can be seen as defense mechanisms against its predators because it allows them to escape.

Females lay one to two eggs, and will hold eggs pressed together with her hind legs until the shells become hard. Afterwards, they attach their eggs to the substrate. Once laid, the female abandons their eggs. Incubation lasts two to three months. Hatchling will reach their sexual maturity in about a year.

	References
	Mertens (1963) Senck. Biol. 44: 349-356
	Mertens (1963) Mauritius Institute Bulletin, 5:299-305.
	Vinson etc. (1969) Mauritius Institute Bulletin, 6:203-320
	Mckeown (1996) Field Guide Rept. Amph. Hawaiian Islands.
	Rösler (2000) Gekkota 2: 28-153
	Rösler (2001) Gekkota 3: 47-73