Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida
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Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida KRÜGER 1993 is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in north-eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits trees and houses. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
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Description
This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 12.5 cm. Its body colour is blueish green. On the neck, little blue speckles are present. Behind the front limb, there is a large black oval spot, which has a light blue outline. On the back there are irregularly shaped red dots and bars present which form a mid-dorsal stripe between the black oval spots. The tail has a turquoise hue. This subspecies has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.
Distribution
This subspecies inhabits northeast Madagascar. It is only known from the region around Andapa which is a rainforest area.
Habitat
Phelsuma quadriocellata lepida lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees. This Phelsuma species might also be found on human dwellings.
Diet
These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Behaviour
These geckos are quite quarrelsome and do not accept other males .
Reproduction
The pairing season is between October and the first weeks of May. During this period, the females lay one or two eggs in 3–5 week intervals. Up to 6 pairs of eggs are laid per year. At a constant temperature of 28°C, the offspring hatch after 40–45 days. They measure about 30 mm.
Care and maintenance in captivity
These animals should be housed in pairs and need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 80% during the day. It is also important to include two colder months with a daytime temperature of 24°C and 16°C at night. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, 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 3800173239
- McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.