Phelsuma astriata astriata

Description

Its body is lime green with coloured dots and bars on the back. Those reddish dots sometimes form a mid-dorsal stripe, which can be very faint. Males often have a bluish or turquoise-coloured tail and lower back. On both sides of the snout, a reddish-brown stripe extends from the nostrils to the eyes. The undersurface of the body is off-white. These lizards reach a total length of about 14 cm.

Distribution

This gecko is found on the Seychelles islands of Astove, Mahé, Praslin, Curieuse, La Digue, and Frégate.

Habitat

This species is typically found on coconut palms and banana trees. It often lives near human settlements.

Reproduction

Phelsuma astriata astriata normally lays two 10 mm eggs. Seychelles small day geckos are not gluers; they do not stick their eggs to the sides/underside of items, but instead place them in safe, well-hidden areas. Incubation is generally 65 – 70 days at 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bibliography

• Henkel, F. W. and Schmidt, W. (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart.
• McKeown, Sean (1993) Day Geckos (General Care, Maintenance and Breeding Series). Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.

References

References

1. Day Geckos in Captivity, Leann and Greg Christenson, Page 113 (2002)