Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata

Taxobox
name = "Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. lineata"
subspecies = "P. l. dorsivittata"
trinomial = "Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata"
trinomial_authority = Mertens, 1964

"Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata" Mertens, 1964 is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It inhabits northern Madagascar and typically occurs on different trees and huts. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 13 cm. The body colour is dark green with irregular red spots. On the upper back, there is a red mid dorsal stripe. A thin red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A brownish lateral stripe extends between the front and rear legs. On the snout a faint v-marking is present. A black oval marking is present on the side below the armpit area. Another black oval marking is present on the uppermost portion of the rear extremity.

Distribution

This gecko inhabits northern Madagascar, including the area around Joffreville, about 25 km south of Antsiranana.

Habitat

This "Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata" inhabits a moist climate. It is found on broadleaf treesand 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 75–85%. 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.