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

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

Scientific name:

Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata MERTENS 1964

General introduction:

This diurnal gecko inhabits northern Madagascar. It typically occurs on different trees and huts. 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 13 cm. The body colour is dark green with irregular red spots. On the upper back, there is a red mid dorsal stripe. A thin red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A brownish lateral stripe extends between the front and rear legs. On the snout a faint v-marking is present. A black oval marking is present on the side below the armpit area. Another black oval marking is present on the uppermost portion of the rear extremity.

Distribution:

This gecko inhabits northern Madagascar, including the area around Joffreville, about 25 km south of Antsiranana.

Habitat:

This Phelsuma lineata dorsivittata inhabits a moist climate. It is found on broadleaf treesand 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:

Like most Phelsuma spec., the males can be quite quarrelsome and do not accept other males in their neighbourhood.

Reproduction:

The females lay up to 6 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 40-45 days. The juveniles measure 40 mm.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals can be housed in spairs. They need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 25-28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained around 75-85%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruits flies, mealworms and houseflies.

References:

  1. Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3800173239
  2. McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.