Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata
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| Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata | ||||||||||||||||||
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| Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata Kaudern, 1922 |
Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata Kaudern, 1922 (syn.Phelsuma bimaculata Kaudern, 1922) is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees and houses. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
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[edit] Description
This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 11.5 cm. The body colour is light green to brown. On the back there are some red dots and bars present which may form a mid-dorsal stripe. The tail has a blue hue. Behind each front limb, there is a dark red bar, instead of the black spot in the P. q. quadriocellata form. This subspecies has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.
[edit] Distribution
This subspecies inhabits the east coast of Madagascar. It is found in the region around Fandrarazana north of Fenerive. Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata also occurs on the island Nosy Bohara.
[edit] Habitat
Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees and also occurs on the edge of sugar cane plantations. This Phelsuma species is often found 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
These geckos are quite quarrelsome and do not accept other males .
[edit] Reproduction
The pairing season is between October and the first weeks of May. During this period, the females lay one or two eggs with a 3–5 weeks interval. Up to 6 pairs of eggs are laid per year. At a constant temperature of 28°C, the juveniles hatch after 40–45 days. They measure about 30 mm.
[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity
These animals should be housed in pairs and need a 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 75 and 80% during the day. It is also important to include two colder months with a daytime temperature of 24°C and 16°C at night. 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.
