Phelsuma comorensis, commonly known as the Comoros day gecko, is a species of gecko endemic to the island of Grande Comore, Comoros. It typically dwells on trees, and feeds on insects and nectar.
| Phelsuma comorensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Phelsuma |
| Species: | P. comorensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Phelsuma comorensis Boettger, 1913
| |
| |
Description
editThis lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of about 12 centimetres (4.7 in). The body colour is olive green or pale green. A rost-coloured stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. A black lateral stripe extends from the eye to the hind leg. On the lower back there are brownish or red-brick coloured dots. The legs have dark spots.
Distribution
editThis species is only known from the island Grande Comore. It is found in higher areas (600 meters and upwards). It is not currently endangered.[2]
Habitat
editP. comorensis is often found on a variety of pantropic vegetation.
Diet
editThese day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Reproduction
editThe females are very productive and lay up to 8 pairs of eggs per year. Juveniles reach sexual maturity after only 4–5 months.
Care and maintenance in captivity
editThese animals should be housed in pairs and need an enclosure with live plants and vertical bamboo shoots. The temperature should be between 28 °C (82 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F) during the day with a 6-7 °C drop during the night. A good air flow is important. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.
References
edit- ^ Hawlitschek, O. & Augros, S. (2021). "Phelsuma comorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T177830A1498789. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Ineich, I. (2010). "Phelsuma comorensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T177830A7466102. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T177830A7466102.en. Retrieved 14 January 2020.
- 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.