Lined day gecko
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| Phelsuma lineata lineata Gray, 1842 |
Lined day gecko (Phelsuma lineata lineata Gray, 1842) is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in central Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees and houses. The Lined day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
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[edit] Scientific synonyms:
- Phelsuma lineatum Gray, 1842
- Phelsuma minuthi Börner, 1980 (status uncertain, dubious species)
[edit] Description
This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 12 cm. The body colour is dark green. The back is covered with small red dots. A red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. The green dorsal surface is separated from the white underside by a black lateral stripe.
[edit] Distribution
The Lined day gecko inhabits central Madagascar. It is common around the capital city Antananarivo.
[edit] Habitat
Phelsuma lineata lineata is often found near human dwellings. It inhabits different trees, fences and buildings
[edit] Diet
These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
[edit] Behaviour
These geckos are most active after the coldests months June-August.
[edit] Reproduction
The pairing season is between November and the first weeks of Mai. During this period, the females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs.
[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity
These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained between 65 and 75%. It is also important to simulate the colder months (lower day temperature) In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.
[edit] References
- Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3-8001-7323-9
- McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.
