Scientific name:
- Phelsuma lineata lineata GRAY 1842
Scientific synonyms:
- Phelsuma lineatum GRAY 1842
- Phelsuma minuthi BÖRNER 1980 (status uncertain, dubious species)
Common name:
- Lined day gecko
General introduction:
- This diurnal gecko lives in central Madagascar. It typically inhabits different trees and houses. The Lined day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Description:
- This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 12 cm. The body colour is dark green. The back is covered with small red dots. A red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. The green dorsal surface is separated from the white underside by a black lateral stripe.
Distribution:
- The Lined day gecko inhabits central Madagascar. It is common around the capital city Antananarivo.
Habitat:
- Phelsuma lineata lineata is often found near human dwellings. It inhabits different trees, fences and buildings
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 most active after the coldests months June-August.
Reproduction:
- The pairing season is between November and the first weeks of Mai. During this period, the females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs.
Care and maintenance in captivity:
- These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, 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 65 and 75%. It is also important to simulate the colder months (lower day temperature) 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.