Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra

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Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Sauria Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily: Gekkoninae Genus: Phelsuma Species: P. v-nigra Subspecies: P. v. v-nigra
Trinomial name
Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra Boettger, 1913

Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra Boettger, 1913 (syn.Phelsuma v-nigra Kluge, 1993) is a small diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in the Comoros and typically inhabits trees and bushes. Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra feeds on insects and nectar.

Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution 3 Habitat 4 Diet 5 Reproduction 6 Care and maintenance in captivity 7 References

[edit] Description

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of approximately 10 cm. The body colour is bright green, which may have a blue hue. There is a red v-shaped stripe on the snout and two red bars between the eyes. On the back there often are a number of small red-brick coloured dots. The typical v-shaped marking on the throat may not be present in adults. The ventral side is yellow.

[edit] Distribution

This species only inhabits the island Moheli in the Comoros.

[edit] Habitat

Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra is found on banana trees and 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] Reproduction

At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 45 days. The juveniles measure 35 mm.

[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a medium sized, well planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be between 28 and 30°C and 24 and 26°C at night. The humidity should be around 70%. A two month winter cooldown should be included during which temperature is 25°C at daytime and 20°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.