Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata

Taxobox
name = "Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
subfamilia = Gekkoninae
genus = "Phelsuma"
species = "P. quadriocellata"
subspecies = "P. q. bimaculata"
trinomial = "Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata"
trinomial_authority = Kaudern, 1922

"Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata" Kaudern, 1922 (syn."Phelsuma bimaculata" Kaudern, 1922) is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees and houses. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 11.5 cm. The body colour is light green to brown. On the back there are some red dots and bars present which may form a mid-dorsal stripe. The tail has a blue hue. Behind each front limb, there is a dark red bar, instead of the black spot in the P. q. quadriocellata form. This subspecies has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.

Distribution

This subspecies inhabits the east coast of Madagascar. It is found in the region around Fandrarazana north of Fenerive. "Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata" also occurs on the island Nosy Bohara.

Habitat

"Phelsuma quadriocellata bimaculata" lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees and also occurs on the edge of sugar cane plantations. This "Phelsuma" species is often 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 with a 3–5 weeks interval. Up to 6 pairs of eggs are laid per year. At a constant temperature of 28°C, the juveniles 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 3-8001-7323-9
#McKeown, Sean (1993) "The general care and maintenance of day geckos". Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.