Phelsuma astriata astriata

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Phelsuma astriata astriata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
Subspecies:
P. a. astriata
Trinomial name
Phelsuma astriata astriata
Tornier, 1901
Synonyms

Phelsuma lineata astriata
Tornier, 1901
Phelsuma carinatum
Rendahl, 1939
Phelsuma carinatum maheense
Rendahl, 1939

Phelsuma astriata astriata is a subspecies of Seychelles small day gecko. It is a small, slender lizard with bright green colour that feeds primarily on insects. It is found on several islands of the Seychelles.

Description[edit]

Seychelles small day gecko (Phelsuma astriata astriata) on Cousin Island

Its body is lime green with coloured dots and bars on the back. Those reddish dots sometimes form a mid-dorsal stripe, which can be very faint. Males often have a bluish or turquoise-coloured tail and lower back. On both sides of the snout, a reddish-brown stripe extends from the nostrils to the eyes. The undersurface of the body is off-white. These lizards reach a total length of about 14 cm.

Distribution[edit]

This gecko is found on the Seychelles islands of Astove, Mahé, Praslin, Curieuse, La Digue, and Frégate.

Habitat[edit]

This species is typically found on coconut palms and banana trees. It often lives near human settlements.

Reproduction[edit]

Phelsuma astriata astriata normally lays two 10 mm eggs. Seychelles small day geckos are not gluers; they do not stick their eggs to the sides/underside of items, but instead place them in safe, well-hidden areas. Incubation is generally 65 – 70 days at 82 degrees Fahrenheit.[1]

Bibliography[edit]

  • Henkel, F. W. and Schmidt, W. (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3-8001-7323-9
  • McKeown, Sean (1993) Day Geckos (General Care, Maintenance and Breeding Series). Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA. ISBN 1-882770-22-6
  • Species Phelsuma astriata at The Reptile Database


References[edit]

  1. ^ Day Geckos in Captivity, Leann and Greg Christenson, Page 113 (2002)