Seipp's day gecko

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Seipp‘s day gecko
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Suborder: Sauria Family: Gekkonidae Subfamily: Gekkoninae Genus: Phelsuma Species: P. seippi
Binomial name
Phelsuma seippi Meier, 1987

Seipp's day gecko (Phelsuma seippi Meier, 1987) is a diurnal species of geckos. It lives in north Madagascar and typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. Seipp's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Contents 1 Description 2 Distribution 3 Habitat 4 Diet 5 Behaviour 6 Reproduction 7 Care and maintenance in captivity 8 References

[edit] Description

This lizard belongs to the medium-sized day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 14 cm. The body colour of this slender and long-snoutet gecko is green or yellowish green. There are several small red or rust-coloured spots on the back which may form dorsal striping. A rust coloured eye stripe extends from the nostril to above the ear opening. A red v-shaped marking may be present on the head. Typical for this species are several v-shaped stripes on the throat. The ventral side is light pink.

[edit] Distribution

This species inhabits northwest Madagascar. It can also be found on the island Nosy Bé.

[edit] Habitat

Phelsuma seippi is restricted to the native rainforests and avoids bright sun light. It live on trees both in the forest and along its edges.

[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

This Phelsuma species is often found in pairs on a tree. Juveniles mainly inhabit surrounding low shrubs.

[edit] Reproduction

The females lay a pair of eggs and hide them on the ground under foliage or wood or they may lay their eggs on trees under loose bark. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 45–50 days. The juveniles measure 40 mm.

[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs in a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between 25 and 28°C. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 100%. 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.