Scientific name:
- Phelsuma parkeri LOVERIDGE 1941
Scientific synonyms:
- Phelsuma madagascariensis parkeri LOVERIDGE 1941
- Phelsuma abbotti parkeri - BROADLEY & HOWELL 1991
- Phelsuma parkeri - MERTENS 1963
Common name:
- Pemba Island day gecko
Common synonym:
- Parker's Day Gecko
General introduction:
- This diurnal gecko lives on the islands Pemba. It typically inhabits banana trees and dwellings. The Pemba Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Description:
- This slender lizard is a mid-size day gecko. It can reach a total length of about 16 cm. The body colour is bright green. A faint red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. On the back and limbs tiny black spots and speckles are present. This species has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.
Distribution:
- This species is found only on the island Pemba, near the coast of Tanzania.
Habitat:
- Phelsuma parkeri is often found on different large trees such as bananatrees and palms. This species also lives near or 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:
- Thes geckos are quite shy an stay so even in captivity.
Reproduction:
- The females of this species are colony nesters and many eggs can be found at one location. The neonates measure about 28 mm.
Care and maintenance in captivity:
- These animals should be housed in pairs. They need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C during the day. The humidity should be maintained around 65-75% during the day and slightly higher 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.
