Robert Mertens' day gecko

Taxobox
name = Robert Merten's day gecko


regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. robertmertensi"
binomial = "Phelsuma robertmertensi"
binomial_authority = Meier, 1980

Robert Mertens' day gecko ("Phelsuma robertmertensi" Meier, 1980) is diurnal species of geckos. It lives on the Comoros and typically inhabits banana trees. Robert Merten's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar. It is named after German herpetologist Robert Mertens.

Description

This lizard species is one of the smallest of its genus. It can reach a total length of about 11 cm. The body colour can be dark green or bluish green. From the head to the tail extends an orange mid dorsal stripe. The sides of the neck as well as the flanks are greyish brown.

Distribution

This species inhabits only a small area on the island Mayotte (Comoros).

Habitat

"Phelsuma robetmertensi" is often found on banana trees and in abandoned vanilla orchid plantations.

Diet

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

Reproduction

At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 49–53 days. The juveniles measure 19–22 mm.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need 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.

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.