The ole UV debate

[Frankie]

The study does not imply that at all. It does imply that UV penetration in Phelsuma is at a slower rate than human skin.

Another article (wish I could find it quickly) theorizes that the evolution of Phelsuma is more recently linked in time to nocturnal Gekkoninae. It implies Phelsuma have yet to fully develop UV absorbing skin more liken/efficient to day dwelling animals. Phelsuma still have the internal abilities to process dietary D3 efficiently more like their night dwelling cousins. (--- the artilce also points out that Phelsuma still do not have eyelides, a day dwelling need).

Again, I think that sun tolerant Phelsuma species (standingi) responding very well to UV. It also supports that Phelsuma can be raised on dietary D3 alone.

But I am with you that some Phelsuma species seem to respond in breeding and behavior with the presence of UV.

 

[Joe Farah]

Ok, thanks Frankie

Interesting stuff... especially the part about them evolving from nocturnal ancestors. I had actually read about that before.

Also, eyelids are clearly not a necessity for diurnal reptiles or all snakes would be nocturnal. You just need a pupil that can close most of the way... preferably round ones.

Thanks again!

 

[Gecko Guy]

This is all very interesting but >>>
who said you need eyelids to be day dwellers....... eyelids serve no purpose other then protection,,,,, lid less gecko's have a scale over their eyes that serve the same purpose..
Joe,, What you said about the pupil is dead on the money..
round pupils limit the light coming in
straight pupils allow maximum usage of the limited amount of light...

 

[the moof]

gecko guy and Joe are right on; Frankie, I'm afraid what you said is worthless. Phelsuma are day dwelling creatures, which indicates quite definitely that eyelids are NOT necessary in order to be diurnal. Furthermore, the eyelid is not there so that we can close our eyes, but rather so that we can keep dust off of the surface. The creatures without eyelids, such as geckos and snakes, use different methods to keep dust off the surface. As was mentioned, the thing that is necessary for diurnal or nocturnal life is not the eyelids, but the shape of the pupil itself. And even this is not a definite indicator of the activity period of a creature.

Also, you may be right in saying that Phelsuma are capable of processing D3 quickly does not indicate that UV lights are not necessary, because regardless of whether they can do it or not, the UV stimulates the processing and production of it, and is thus beneficial to the animals.

Also, Frankie, just as a side note, all of the Phelsuma species are sun tolerant. That's why they're called Day geckos.

best regards,
Mark

 

[LLDG]

Phelsuma get D3 from only the diet - beneficial
Phelsuma get D3 from only UV light source - beneficial
You can pick one or the other, or both. All three proven methods.

Lights - stimulates color, stimulates behavior, and keeps Phelsuma from bumping into things in their enclosure....and few other things lights good for too.

Today we can even have lights that are high enough quality to stimulate color, behavior AND provide UV. -- comapact UV flourescents!

straight pupils allow maximum usage of the limited amount of light...

Pretty sure you meant -- slit pupils minimize light penetration during the day, and at night the pupils open wide to maximize the limited amount of available light.

Frankie, I'm afraid what you said is worthless

Let's all play nice. Eye lids have also been recognized to help protect the eyes from light, a day dwelling plus if you live in a sunny place.

 

[Phelsuma14]

I'm ony fourteen hear and I only understand about half this discussion:sad:So i'm somewhat new to phelsuma. I'm getting my laticauda pair at a reptile show on sunday and I need to know what should I do uvb or no uvb...?

I've got a incandesent bulb and 2 compact flouresent bulbs with that and they are pretty bright combined do these give off some uvb or should I get a uvb bulb. If I don't get a uvb bulb what should I get calcium W/ D3 ( phosphorus free ) and a multivitatmin and then feed them 4 times a week give them the cal w/ D3 3/4 times then the multivitamin 1/4 times? but if I get uvb should I do the same thing as above except without the D3 sorry this is a long and confusing question form my veiw thanks for your time

 

[jadrig]

Depends on the age of the geckos...Breeding females need the most, then babies...then adult males need the least, but they still need the supplementation.
For golddusts, dont worry about the lighting. Anything that produces a little warmth.
The UVB does bring out the reds, but sometimes making the reddish pinks turn to brick red or brown(v-nigras).

 

[Phelsuma14]

Depends on the age of the geckos...Breeding females need the most, then babies...then adult males need the least, but they still need the supplementation.
For golddusts, dont worry about the lighting. Anything that produces a little warmth.
The UVB does bring out the reds, but sometimes making the reddish pinks turn to brick red or brown(v-nigras).

ok so I dont need uvb lighting as long as I give them a the supplemented diet as in the comment above I should be fine and can this be the same for lineata

 

[Adrn]

That is correct. This will always be an argument for the forseeable future as some swear by UV. If you provide proper supplementation along with some flo light that has a high kelvin rating(daylight type bulbs) and also a basking source(halogen) they will be healthy.