Geckos are a diverse group of small lizards found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. While most geckos have various shades of grey, brown, or green coloration, some species exhibit brilliant colors like neon blue, orange, yellow or even pink. Pink geckos are quite rare and limited to just a handful of species.
Day Geckos
Some of the most vibrantly colored geckos are in the day gecko family. Day geckos have large eyes and toe pads that allow them to climb smooth surfaces. Unlike most other geckos, day geckos are active during the day rather than at night.
One day gecko species that exhibits pink coloration is the neon day gecko (Phelsuma klemmeri) found only on Mauritius, an island nation off the southeastern coast of Africa. The vibrant colors of the neon day gecko help it blend in with the bright pink and orange flowers it lives amongst in the tropical forests of Mauritius.
| Scientific Name | Common Name(s) | Native Range | Coloration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phelsuma klemmeri | Neon day gecko, pink day gecko | Mauritius | Hot pink body with turquoise markings |
The neon day gecko was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the 1990s. Due to its small native range and threatened habitat, this species is endangered and faces the risk of extinction.
Madagascar Day Geckos
Several day gecko species found in Madagascar also display various shades of pink. These include:
- Mossy leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus sikorae) – Has a greyish pink body with black markings
- Satanic leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) – Ranges from pale pink to bright red
- Lined day gecko (Phelsuma lineata) – Has a yellowish body with pink stripes
The remote tropical forests of Madagascar harbor over 60 day gecko species, many of which have bright color patterns. These vivid colors and patterns help the geckos camouflage against the diverse foliage and flowers in their habitat.
Pink-Tongued Geckos
One of the most distinctive pink geckos is the Australian pink-tongued gecko (Ptyodactylus guttatus). As their name suggests, these geckos have bright bubblegum pink tongues which contrast sharply with their greyish brown skin.
| Scientific Name | Common Name(s) | Native Range | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ptyodactylus guttatus | Pink-tongued gecko | Australia | Greyish brown skin, bubblegum pink tongue |
When threatened, the pink-tongued gecko opens its mouth wide exposing the startlingly bright pink interior. This is believed to startle predators giving the gecko time to flee. The bright pink tongue also seems to attract potential prey like insects and spiders that may mistake it for a flower.
Crested Geckos
Several color variations of the crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) native to New Caledonia have pinkish coloration. These include:
- Fire crested gecko – Vibrant reddish-pink body
- Pink crested gecko – Soft pinkish purple coloration
- Lavender crested gecko – Light pinkish purple with dark purple tiger-like stripes
In addition to body color, crested geckos exhibit variations in the color and pattern of their “eyelash” crests for which they are named. Selective breeding in captivity has led to a wide array of color morphs.
| Common Name | Color/Pattern |
|---|---|
| Fire crested gecko | Solid bright reddish pink |
| Pink crested gecko | Light pinkish purple |
| Lavender crested gecko | Light purple with dark purple tiger stripes |
Other Pink Gecko Species
While less common, a few other gecko species also display various shades of pink including:
- Rough-tailed gecko (Cyrtopodion scabrum) – Pinkish beige with dark stripes and spots
- Panther gecko (Paroedura pictus) – Grayish pink with leopard-like spots
- satanic leaf-tailed gecko (Uroplatus phantasticus) – Bright pinkish red coloration
The vibrant pink colors help these geckos blend into their environments in Africa and Madagascar whether it be sandy deserts or tropical flowers.
Why Are Some Geckos Pink?
So why are some geckos pink while most others sport drab browns, greys, and greens? In nature, coloration serves important functions like camouflage, signaling, mating displays, and thermoregulation.
The bright pink hues seen in certain gecko species likely serve several purposes:
- Camouflage – Blending in with pink/reddish plants and rocks
- Mimicry – Resembling colorful inedible creatures like caterpillars
- Mate attraction – Bright colors attract potential mates
- Territory marking – Vivid colors identify territory boundaries
- Temperature regulation – Dark pigments aid heat absorption
So in summary, the pinkish hues help the geckos survive and thrive in their specific environments.
Pink Gecko Care in Captivity
Many of the most vibrantly colored pink gecko species are challenging to keep and breed in captivity. However, with proper care some can do quite well as pets including:
- Crested geckos – Easy to care for and breed, suitable for beginners
- Day geckos – Require advanced care to mimic tropical environment
- Leopard geckos – Hardy, easy to handle, ideal “starter” gecko
- Pink-tongued geckos – Docile temperament but require specific care
Key elements of pink gecko care include:
- Planted terrarium with proper lighting and temperature
- Regular misting to maintain humidity
- Diverse diet including insects, fruit mixes, nectar
- Proper vitamin and mineral supplements
- Regular handling to ensure docility
With close attention to their habitat setup, diet, and health needs, many pink gecko species can thrive as fascinating and colorful pets.
Conclusion
While most geckos are some shade of brown, grey, or green, a number of species exhibit brilliant pink coloration. Vibrant pink geckos include the Mauritius neon day gecko, Madagascar mossy leaf-tailed gecko, Australian pink-tongued gecko, and fire crested gecko among others.
The pink and reddish hues serve important functions like camouflage, signaling, mate attraction, and thermoregulation. In captivity, pink geckos can make unique and eye-catching pets for experienced keepers able to meet their specific care needs.
So in summary, pink geckos are nature’s jewels – rare and beautiful lizards that owe their vibrant colors to complex evolutionary processes tailored to the environments they inhabit.
