Andaman Islands day gecko
From Free net encyclopedia
{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Geckos | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Reptilia | ordo = Squamata | subordo = Sauria | familia = Gekkonidae | subfamilia = Gekkoninae | genus = Phelsuma | species = P. andamanense | binomial = Phelsuma andamanense | binomial_authority = Blyth, 1861 }}
Andaman Islands day gecko (Phelsuma andamanense Blyth, 1861) is a species of geckos. It is a small, slender lizard, has a bright green colour and feeds on insects. It is only found on the Andaman Islands.
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Scientific synonyms
- Gecko chameleon Tytler, 1864
- Phelsuma madagascariensis- Loveridge, 1942: 467
- Phelsuma andamanensis Mertens, 1962
- Phelsuma andamanensis Börner, 1984
- Phelsuma andamanensis Kluge, 1993
- Phelsuma andamanensis Rösler, 2000: 101
Description
The body of this day gecko is bright green with red dots and stripes on the back. Males have a bluish or turquoise coloured tail. On both sides of the snout, a redish-brown stripe is extending from the nostrils to the ear. The undersurface of the body is bright yellow or off-white.
Habitat
This species inhabits lowland where is typically found in domestic gardens with coconut palms and banana trees. It also sometimes lives on local huts.
Behaviour
These shy day geckos are extremely aggressive toward other members of its species.
Reproduction
Phelsuma andamanense normally lays two eggs in a protected and elevated location. The females can be extraordinarily fertile. It has been observed that during a period of 18 months, 14 pairs of eggs were laid.
References
- Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagascars, 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.