Lined day gecko

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Lined day gecko

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: P. lineata
Subspecies: P. l. lineata
Trinomial name
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.

Contents

[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 May. 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

  1. Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3-8001-7323-9
  2. McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.
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