Phelsuma pronki SEIPP 1994

General introduction

Description

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 11 cm. The body colour is greyish, the head yellow. Four serrated black stripes extend from the snout to the tag. The extremities are blackish with grey speckles. A yellow eye ring is present.

Distribution

This species inhabits the rianforest of the highland of central Madagascar near Andramasina.

Habitat

Phelsuma pronki’s habitat is rainy and very moist. There is a huge difference in temperature between night and day and between the different seasons. During the colder months, the temperature can be as low as 4-6°C at night, yet over 20°C during the day.

Diet

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates.

Behaviour

The females glue their eggs under loose bark.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a well planted terrarium which should provide many places to hide. It is important that there are some spot lights for basking. The daytime temperature should be between around 29°C while at night, the temperature should drop to 20°C. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 100%. 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.