Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra
| Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Phelsuma |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | P. v. v-nigra
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| Trinomial name | |
| Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra Boettger, 1913
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Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra Boettger, 1913 (syn. Phelsuma v-nigra Kluge, 1993) is a small diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in the Comoros and typically inhabits trees and bushes. Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra feeds on insects and nectar.
Description
[edit]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
[edit]This species only inhabits the island Mohéli in the Comoros.
Habitat
[edit]Phelsuma v-nigra v-nigra is found on banana trees and human dwellings.
Diet
[edit]These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Reproduction
[edit]At a temperature of 28 °C, the young will hatch after approximately 45 days. The juveniles measure 35 mm.
Care and maintenance in captivity
[edit]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
[edit]- 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.