Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata

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Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: P. lineata
Subspecies: P. l. dorsivittata
Trinomial name
Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata
Mertens, 1964

Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata Mertens, 1964 is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It inhabits northern Madagascar and typically occurs on different trees and huts. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Contents

[edit] Description

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 13 cm. The body colour is dark green with irregular red spots. On the upper back, there is a red mid dorsal stripe. A thin red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A brownish lateral stripe extends between the front and rear legs. On the snout a faint v-marking is present. A black oval marking is present on the side below the armpit area. Another black oval marking is present on the uppermost portion of the rear extremity.

[edit] Distribution

This gecko inhabits northern Madagascar, including the area around Joffreville, about 25 km south of Antsiranana.

[edit] Habitat

This Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata inhabits a moist climate. It is found on broadleaf treesand on human dwellings.

[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

Like most Phelsuma spec., the males can be quite quarrelsome and do not accept other males in their neighbourhood.

[edit] Reproduction

The females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 40–45 days. The juveniles measure 40 mm.

[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals can be housed in spairs. They need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 25–28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained around 75–85%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruits 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.