Phelsuma laticauda angularis
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| Phelsuma laticauda angularis Mertens, 1964 |
Phelsuma laticauda angularis Mertens, 1964 is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in northern Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees and houses. The Gold dust day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
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[edit] Description
This lizard is slightly smaller than the nominate form. It can reach a total length of about 11 cm. The body colour is a bright green or yellowish green or rarely even blue. Typical for this day gecko are the yellow speckles on the neck and the upper back. There are three rust-coloured transverse bars on the snout and head. The upper eyelid is blue. In contrast to the nominate form, there is a wide, irregular, v-shaped marking which points to the head on the lower back. The tail is wider and flatter than in Phelsuma laticauda laticauda. The ventral side is off-white.
[edit] Distribution
This day gecko inhabits northwest Madagascar. It is only known from the region around Antsohihi
[edit] Habitat
P. laticauda angularis inhabits different trees, and other pantropic vegetation.
[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
The males of this species are apparently not as aggressive as Phelsuma laticauda laticauda.
[edit] Reproduction
The females lay up to 5 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 40-45 days. The juveniles measure 55-60 mm. They should be kept separately since even the juveniles can be quite quarrelsome. Sexual maturity is reached after 10-12 months.
[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity
These animals can be housed in pairs or small groups with one male and several females. They need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained between 65 and 75%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruits 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.
