Standing's day gecko

Taxobox
name = Standing's day gecko


image_width = 240px
status = VU
status_system = iucn2.3
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. standingi"
binomial = "Phelsuma standingi"
binomial_authority = Methuen & Hewitt, 1913

The Standing's day gecko ("Phelsuma standingi" Methuen & Hewitt, 1913) is an arboreal and diurnal species of gecko, native to southwest Madagascar. Standing's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

This lizard is the largest living day gecko. It can reach a maximum length of about 28 cm. The body colour can be quite variable, depending on light intensity. It can be brownish grey or bright green or turquoise with grey to blue reticulated markings on its body and head. The head and tail are often turquoise. Hatchlings have a yellowish green head and typical light bands and bars on the back.

Distribution

This species is restricted to southwest Madagascar, including the region around Andranolaho and Sakaraha.

Habitat

"Phelsuma standingi" is found in the dry southwest part of Madagascar which has a unique thorn forest vegetation. The daytime temperature never drops under convert|20|°C|°F and between January and December, the temperature can be as high as convert|40|°C|°F in the shade. In July and August, the night temperature can drop to convert|13|°C|°F.

Diet

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

Behaviour

This species lives in pairs on trees.

Reproduction

At a temperature of convert|28|°C|°F, the young will hatch after approximately 60–70 days. The juveniles measure 80 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be around convert|30|°C|°F. A spot lamp should provide the animals with a basking spot and a local temperature of convert|35|°C|°F. At night, the temperature should be dropped to convert|22|°C|°F. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, mealworms and houseflies.

References

* Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd v2.3)

#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.