Phelsuma lineata bifasciata

Taxobox
name = "Phelsuma lineata bifasciata"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. lineata"
subspecies = "P. l. bifasciata"
trinomial = "Phelsuma lineata bifasciata"
trinomial_authority = Boettger, 1913

"Phelsuma lineata bifasciata" Boettger, 1913 (syn. "Phelsuma lineata var. bifasciata" Boettger, 1913) is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It inhabits the east coast of Madagascar and typically occurs on different trees and bushes. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

This lizard belongs to the mid sized day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 14.5 cm. The body colour is dark green. On the lower back there is a large irregular red spot which diffuses towards the back. A thin red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A black lateral stripe extends between the front and rear legs. Between this stripe and the white ventral side, there is a thin yellowish lateral stripe.

Distribution

This gecko probably inhabits the complete east coast of Madagascar. It is found in the region around Ankarimbela in southern Madagascar and in the region around Andasibe.

Habitat

"Phelsuma lineata bifasciata" lives near human dwellings. It is found on banana trees, palms, flowering bushes and on human dwellings.

Diet

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

Behaviour

Like most "Phelsuma spec.", the males can be quite quarrelsome and do not accept other males in their neighbourhood.

Reproduction

The females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 40-45 days. The juveniles measure 40 mm.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals can be housed in spairs. They need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 25-28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained around 75-90%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruits 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.