Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
| Trinomial name | ||||||||||||||||||
| Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida Krüger, 1993 |
Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida Krüger, 1993 is a diurnal subspecies of gecko. It lives in north-eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits trees and houses. 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 12.5 cm. Its body colour is bluish green. On the neck, little blue speckles are present. Behind the front limb, there is a large black oval spot, which has a light blue outline. On the back there are irregularly shaped red dots and bars present which form a mid-dorsal stripe between the black oval spots. The tail has a turquoise hue. This subspecies has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.
[edit] Distribution
This subspecies inhabits northeast Madagascar. It is only known from the region around Andapa which is a rainforest area.
[edit] Habitat
Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees. This Phelsuma species might also be 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 in 3–5 week intervals. Up to 6 pairs of eggs are laid per year. At a constant temperature of 28°C, the offspring 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.
