Flat-tailed day gecko

Taxobox
name = Flat-tailed day gecko


image_width = 200px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. serraticauda"
binomial = "Phelsuma serraticauda"
binomial_authority = Mertens, 1963

Scientific name

:"Phelsuma serraticauda" Mertens, 1963

Common name

:Flat-tailed day gecko

General introduction

:This diurnal gecko lives in eastern Madagascar. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The Flat-tailed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

:This lizard can reach an average total length of about 13 cm whereas females are slightly smaller. Some males may even reach a length of 15 cm. The body colour is dark green or yellowish green. Remarkable is the broad, flattened tail with serrated edges. On the lower back three red tear-shaped markings dots are present. On the neck, which may be bluish, two longitudinal yellow stripes are present. On the snout and head, there are three transversal red bars.

Distribution

:This species occurs on the east coast of Madagascar. It is only known from the region 12 km north of Toamasina.

Habitat

:"Phelsuma serraticauda" is largely restricted to coconut palms yet can also be found on banana trees.

Diet

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

Behaviour

:This species lives in groups with one male and up to five females. Amongst the females, there is a well developed dominance hierarchy. Juveniles are tolerated up to a certain size.

Reproduction

:The females lay up to 4 pairs of eggs per year. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 53-58 days. The juveniles are typically 40 mm in length.

Care and maintenance in captivity

:These animals should be housed in pairs or small groups and need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between 25 and 28°C. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 90%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, 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.