Phelsuma comorensis

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{{Taxobox | color = pink | name = Phelsuma comorensis | regnum = Animalia | phylum = Chordata | classis = Reptilia | ordo = Squamata | subordo = Sauria | familia = Gekkonidae | subfamilia = Gekkoninae | genus = Phelsuma | species = P. comorensis | binomial = Phelsuma comorensis | binomial_authority = Boettger, 1913 }}

Phelsuma comorensis Boettger, 1913 is a species of geckos. It lives on the island Grande Comore and typically dwells on trees. It feeds on insects and nectar.

Contents

Description:

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of about 12 cm. The body colour is olive green or pale green. A rost-coloured stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A black lateral stripe extends from the eye to the hind leg. On the lower back there are brownish or red-brick coloured dots. The legs have dark spots.

Distribution:

This species is only known from the island Grande Comore. It is found in higher areas (600 meters and upwards).

Habitat:

P. comorensis is often found on a variety of pantropic vegetation.

Diet:

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

Reproduction:

The females are very productive and lay up to 8 pairs of eggs per year. Juveniles reach sexual maturity after only 4–5 months.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need an enclosure with live plants and vertical bamboo shoots. The temperature should be between 28 and 30°C during they day with a 6-7°C drop during the night. A good air flow is important. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, 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.fr:Phelsuma comorensis