Phelsuma kely

Taxobox
name = "Phelsuma kely"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
subordo = Sauria
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. kely"
binomial = "Phelsuma kely"
binomial_authority = Schönecker, Bach & Glaw, 2004

"Phelsuma kely" is a species of diurnal gecko which lives on the central east coast of Madagascar, south of Tamatave. It typically inhabits dragon trees. The gecko feeds on insects and probably nectar.

It is the smallest known day gecko, reaching a total length of about 7.1 cm. Its body colour variable and dependend on the mood of the animal. During activity, the basic body colour is white-gray with a black pattern on the back. However, the body colour can turn dark also. A black lateral stripe extends from the eye to the tail. The ventral side is grayish-white.

Distribution

This species inhabits the central east coast of Madagascar, south of Tamatave. It is only known from the area around Lac Ampitabe.

Habitat

"P. kely" is found on dragon trees. They share their habitat with "Phelsuma seippi", "Phelsuma guttata","Phelsuma lineata lineata", "Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis","Phelsuma quadriocellata parva", "Phelsuma abbotti chekei", "Phelsuma dubia", "Phelsuma laticauda laticauda" and "Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis". All these species live sympatrically and partly syntopically. In March, the daytime temperature is around 27°C and drops to around 23°C at nighttime. The relative humidity is between 80 and 90 %.

Diet

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. Like many members of the genus "Phelsuma", this species might also feed on pollen and nectar.

Behaviour

This "Phelsuma" species is very shy.

Reproduction

In captivity, the females lay a pair of eggs which measure about 7 x 6 mm. At a temperature of 28°C during the day and 22°C at night, the young will hatch after approximately 60 days. The juveniles have a total length of about 25-28 mm.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs in a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between about 28°C during the day and around 20°C at nighttime. The relative humidity should be maintained between 80 and 90%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moths, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.

References

*Schönecker, P., S. Bach and F. Glaw (2004) "Eine neue Taggecko-Art der Gattung Phelsuma aus Ost-Madagaskar (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae)". Salamandra 40(2), 2004, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Herpetologie und Terrariunkunde, Rheinbach.