Phelsuma comorensis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Sub-order:Sauria
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species: comorensis
Binomial name
Phelsuma comorensis

Table of contents
1 Scientific name:
2 Scientific synonyms:
3 Common name:
4 General introduction:
5 Description:
6 Distribution:
7 Habitat:
8 Diet:
9 Behaviour:
10 Reproduction:
11 Care and maintenance in captivity:
12 References:

Scientific name:

Phelsuma comorensis BOETTGER 1913

Scientific synonyms:

Common name:

none

General introduction:

This diurnal gecko lives on the island Grande Comore. It typically dwells on trees. It feeds on insects and nectar.

Description:

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of about 12 cm. 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:

This species is only known from the island Grande Comore. It is found in higher areas (600 meters and upwards).

Habitat:

P. comorensis is often found on a variety of pantropic vegetation.

Diet:

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

Behaviour:

Reproduction:

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:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a enclosure with live plants and vertical bamboo shoots. The temperature should be between 28 and 30°C during they 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, fruits 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.