Andaman Islands day gecko
|
|
| Geckos | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||||||
| Phelsuma andamanense |
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.
| Contents |
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.