Koch's giant day gecko

Koch's giant day gecko
Conservation status

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: P. madagascariensis
Subspecies: P. m. kochi
Trinomial name
Phelsuma madagascariensis kochi
Mertens, 1954
Synonyms

Phelsuma kochi Mertens, 1954

Koch's giant day gecko (Phelsuma madagascariensis kochi Mertens, 1954) is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in northwest and western Madagascar and typically inhabits trees. The Koch's giant day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Koch's giant day gecko is often treated as its own species, Phelsuma kochi Mertens, 1954.[1][2]

Description

This lizard belongs to the largest living day geckos. It can reach a total length of 30.5 centimetres (12.0 in).[3] The body colour is a dark, dull green. A faint red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. On the back there may be little reddish dots present. The neck and flanks often are light grey. The ventral side is off-white.

Distribution

This species is widely distributed in northwest and west Madagascar on the coast and in the inland. It was first discovered in the region around Maevatanana.

Habitat

Phelsuma magascariensis kochi is often found on different trees such as banana trees where it can be seen basking. They avoid human dwellings. The climate is very dry throughout the year and the temperature can be as high as 40°C.

Diet

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.

Behaviour

This Phelsuma madagascariensis subspecies is not quite as quarrelsome and aggressive as Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis and Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis.

Reproduction

The pairing season is between November and the first weeks of May. During this period, the females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 63–68 days. The juveniles measure 65 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs although successful group breeding with one male and several females has been reported. They need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C during the day. The humidity should be maintained around 65%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moths, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Glaw, F., Rakotondrazafy, N.A., Rabibisoa, N. & Ratsoavina, F. (2011). "Phelsuma kochi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 7 May 2013.
  2. ↑ Phelsuma kochi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
  3. ↑ Glaw, F. and Vences, M. (2007). A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar. 3rd edition. ISBN 978-3-929449-03-7