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Flat-tailed day gecko

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Flat-tailed day gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. serraticauda
Binomial name
Phelsuma serraticauda
Mertens, 1963

The flat-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma serraticauda) is a diurnal gecko lives in eastern Madagascar. It is endangered due to illegal collection for the international pet trade. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The flat-tailed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

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This lizard can reach an average total length of about 13 cm whereas females are slightly smaller. Some males may even reach a length of 15 cm. The body colour is dark green or yellowish green. Remarkable is the broad, flattened tail with serrated edges. On the lower back three red tear-shaped markings dots are present. On the neck, which may be bluish, two longitudinal yellow stripes are present. On the snout and head, there are three transversal red bars.

Distribution

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This species occurs on the east coast of Madagascar. It is only known from the region 12 km north of Toamasina.

Habitat

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Phelsuma serraticauda on a leaf.

Phelsuma serraticauda is largely restricted to coconut palms yet can also be found on banana trees.[citation needed]

Diet

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

Behaviour

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This species lives in groups with one male and up to five females.[citation needed] Amongst the females, there is a well-developed dominance hierarchy. Juveniles are tolerated up to a certain size.

Reproduction

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The females lay up to 4 pairs of eggs per year. At a temperature of 28 °C, the young will hatch after approximately 53–58 days.[citation needed] The juveniles are typically 40 mm in length.

Captivity

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The flat-tailed day gecko is endangered due to illegal collection for the international pet trade.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b Glaw, F.; Rabibisoa, N.; Randrianantoandro, J.C.; Ratsoavina, F. & Raxworthy, C.J. (2011). "Phelsuma serraticauda". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2011. IUCN: e.T172948A6946588. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172948A6946588.en. Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  • 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.