Flat-tailed day gecko

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Flat-tailed day gecko
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Sauria Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily: Gekkoninae Genus: Phelsuma Species: P. serraticauda
Binomial name
Phelsuma serraticauda Mertens, 1963

Contents 1 Scientific name 2 Common name 3 General introduction 4 Description 5 Distribution 6 Habitat 7 Diet 8 Behaviour 9 Reproduction 10 Care and maintenance in captivity 11 References

[edit] Scientific name

Phelsuma serraticauda Mertens, 1963

[edit] Common name

Flat-tailed day gecko

[edit] General introduction

This diurnal gecko lives in eastern Madagascar. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The Flat-tailed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

[edit] Description

This lizard can reach an average total length of about 13 cm whereas females are slightly smaller. Some males may even reach a length of 15 cm. The body colour is dark green or yellowish green. Remarkable is the broad, flattened tail with serrated edges. On the lower back three red tear-shaped markings dots are present. On the neck, which may be bluish, two longitudinal yellow stripes are present. On the snout and head, there are three transversal red bars.

[edit] Distribution

This species occurs on the east coast of Madagascar. It is only known from the region 12 km north of Toamasina.

[edit] Habitat

Phelsuma serraticauda is largely restricted to coconut palms yet can also be found on banana trees.

[edit] Diet

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

bob

[edit] Behaviour

This species lives in groups with one male and up to five females. Amongst the females, there is a well developed dominance hierarchy. Juveniles are tolerated up to a certain size.

[edit] Reproduction

The females lay up to 4 pairs of eggs per year. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 53-58 days. The juveniles are typically 40 mm in length.

[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs or small groups and need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between 25 and 28°C. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 90%. 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.