Robert Mertens' day gecko

Robert Mertens' day gecko
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: P. robertmertensi
Binomial name
Phelsuma robertmertensi
Meier, 1980

Robert Mertens' day gecko (Phelsuma robertmertensi ) is diurnal species of geckos, a member of the family that lives on the Comoros and typically inhabits banana trees. Robert Merten's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

It is named after German herpetologist Robert Mertens.[2]

Description

This lizard species is one of the smallest of its genus. It can reach a total length of about 11 centimetres (4.3 in). The body colour can be dark green or bluish green. An orange mid dorsal stripe extends from the head to the tail. The sides of the neck as well as the flanks are greyish brown.

Distribution

This species inhabits only a small area on the island Mayotte (Comoros).

Habitat

Phelsuma robetmertensi is often found on banana trees and in abandoned vanilla orchid plantations.

Diet

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

Reproduction

At a temperature of 28 °C (82 °F), the young will hatch after approximately 49–53 days. The juveniles measure 19–22 millimetres (0.75–0.87 in).

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between 25–28 °C (77–82 °F). The humidity should be between 75 and 100%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.

References

  1. ↑ Glaw F; Hawlitschek O (2011). "Phelsuma robertmertensi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.1. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  2. ↑ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phelsuma robertmertensi, p. 176).

Further reading

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