Phelsuma comorensis

Taxobox
name = "Phelsuma comorensis"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. comorensis"
binomial = "Phelsuma comorensis"
binomial_authority = Boettger, 1913

"Phelsuma comorensis" Boettger, 1913 is a species of geckos. It lives on the island Grande Comore and typically dwells on trees. It feeds on insects and nectar.

Description:

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of about 12 cm. The body colour is olive green or pale green. A rost-coloured stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A black lateral stripe extends from the eye to the hind leg. On the lower back there are brownish or red-brick coloured dots. The legs have dark spots.

Distribution:

This species is only known from the island Grande Comore. It is found in higher areas (600 meters and upwards).

Habitat:

"P. comorensis" is often found on a variety of pantropic vegetation.

Diet:

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

Reproduction:

The females are very productive and lay up to 8 pairs of eggs per year. Juveniles reach sexual maturity after only 4–5 months.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need an enclosure with live plants and vertical bamboo shoots. The temperature should be between 28 and 30°C during they day with a 6-7°C drop during the night. A good air flow is important. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.

References:

Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) "Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren". Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3-8001-7323-9
McKeown, Sean (1993) "The general care and maintenance of day geckos". Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.