Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra

Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Sub-order:	Sauria
Family:	Gekkonidae
Subfamily:	Gekkoninae
Genus:	Phelsuma
Species:	v-nigra

Binomial name

Phelsuma v-nigra

Trinomial name

Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra

Table of contents

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

Scientific name:

Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra BOETTGER 1913

Scientific synonyms:

Phelsuma v-nigra KLUGE 1993

General introduction:

This small diurnal gecko of about 11 cm lives in the Comoros. It typically inhabits trees and bushes. Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra feeds on insects and nectar.

Description:

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of approximately 10 cm. The body colour is bright green, which may have a blue hue. There is a red v-shaped stripe on the snout and two red bars between the eyes. On the back there often are a number of small red-brick coloured dots. The typical v-shaped marking on the throat may not be present in adults. The ventral side is yellow.

Distribution:

This species only inhabits the island Moheli in the Comoros.

Habitat:

Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra is found on banana trees and 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:

Reproduction:

At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 45 days. The juveniles measure 35 mm.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a medium sized, well planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be between 28 and 30°C and 24 and 26°C at night. The humidity should be around 70%. A two month winter cooldown should be included during which temperature is 25°C at daytime and 20°C 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.