Phelsuma quadriocellata parva

Taxobox
name = "Phelsuma quadriocellata parva"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. quadriocellata"
subspecies = "P. q. parva"
trinomial = "Phelsuma quadriocellata parva"
trinomial_authority = Krüger, 1993

"Phelsuma quadriocellata parva" Krüger, 1993 is a diurnal subspecies of gecko. It lives in north-eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees and houses. 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 9 cm. The body colour is bright green. The tail may have a blue hue. Behind the front limb, there is irregularly shaped black spot, which may be light blue outlined. On the back there are irregularly shaped red dots present. A more or less visible red mid dorsal strip may be present on the upper back. This subspecies has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.

Distribution

This subspecies the east coast Madagascar. It is only known from the region around Toamasina and Brickaville.

Habitat

"Phelsuma quadriocellata parva" lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees, including coconut palms and banana plants. This "Phelsuma" species can also be found in gardens 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

These geckos are quite quarrelsome and do not accept other males. They can sometimes be found together with "Phelsuma pusilla pusilla".

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 80% during the day. It is also important to include two colder months with a daytime temperature of 24°C and 16°C at night. 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.