Phelsuma quadriocellata parva

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Phelsuma quadriocellata parva
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: P. quadriocellata
Subspecies: P. q. parva
Trinomial name
Phelsuma quadriocellata parva
Krüger, 1993

Phelsuma quadriocellata parva Krüger, 1993 is a diurnal subspecies of gecko. It lives in north-eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits different 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 9 cm. The body colour is bright green. The tail may have a blue hue. Behind the front limb, there is irregularly shaped black spot, which may be light blue outlined. On the back there are irregularly shaped red dots present. A more or less visible red mid dorsal strip may be present on the upper back. This subspecies has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.

[edit] Distribution

This subspecies the east coast Madagascar. It is only known from the region around Toamasina and Brickaville.

[edit] Habitat

Phelsuma quadriocellata parva lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees, including coconut palms and banana plants. This Phelsuma species can also be found in gardens and 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. They can sometimes be found together with Phelsuma pusilla pusilla.

[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

  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.