Scientific name:
- Phelsuma laticauda angularis MERTENS 1964
Common name:
- none
General introduction:
- This diurnal gecko lives in northern Madagascar. It typically inhabits different trees and houses. The Gold dust day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Description:
- This lizard is slightly smaller than the nominate form. It can reach a total length of about 11 cm. The body colour is a bright green or yellowish green or rarely even blue. Typical for this day gecko are the yellow speckels on the neck and the upper back. There are three rust-coloured transverse bars on the snout and head. The upper eyelid is blue. In contrast to the nominate form, there is a wide, irregular, v-shaped marking which points to the head on the lower back. The tail is wider and flatter than in Phelsuma katicauda laticauda. The ventral side is off-white.
Distribution:
- This day gecko inhabits northwest Madagascar. It is only known from the region around Antsohihi
Habitat:
- P. laticauda angularis inhabits different trees, and other 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:
- The males of this species are apparently not as aggressive as Phelsuma laticauda laticauda.
Reproduction:
- The females lay up to 5 pairs of eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 40-45 days. The juveniles measure 55-60 mm. They should be kept separately since even the juveniles can be quite quarrelsome. Sexual maturity is reached after 10-12 months.
Care and maintenance in captivity:
- These animals can be housed in pairs or small groups with one male and several females. They need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained between 65 and 75%. 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 3800173239
- McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.