Phelsuma comorensis
| Phelsuma comorensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Phelsuma |
| Species: | P. comorensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Phelsuma comorensis Boettger, 1913 | |
 | |
Phelsuma comorensis, commonly known as the Comoros day gecko, is a species of gecko endemic to the island of Grande Comore, Comoros. It typically dwells on trees, and feeds on insects and nectar.
Description
[edit]This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of about 12 centimetres (4.7 in). 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
[edit]This species is only known from the island Grande Comore. It is found in higher areas (600 meters and upwards). It is not currently endangered.[2]
Habitat
[edit]P. comorensis is often found on a variety of pantropic vegetation.
Diet
[edit]These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Reproduction
[edit]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
[edit]These animals should be housed in pairs and need an enclosure with live plants and vertical bamboo shoots. The temperature should be between 28 °C (82 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) during the 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
[edit]- ^ Hawlitschek, O. & Augros, S. (2021). "Phelsuma comorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T177830A1498789. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Ineich, I. (2010). "Phelsuma comorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T177830A7466102. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T177830A7466102.en. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
- 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.