Standing's day gecko
| Standing's day gecko | |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Subfamily: | Gekkoninae |
| Genus: | Phelsuma |
| Species: | P. standingi |
| Binomial name | |
| Phelsuma standingi Methuen & Hewitt, 1913 |
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The Standing's day gecko (Phelsuma standingi) is an arboreal and diurnal species of gecko, native to southwest Madagascar. It is among the largest living species of day geckos. Standing's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
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[edit] Etymology
Its generic name is a Latinized version of the last name of Dutch physician Murk van Phelsum. Its specific name is in honor of another physician, Doctor H.F Standing of Antananarivo, Madagascar.
[edit] Description
This lizard is among the largest extant species of day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of 28 centimetres (11 in). The body colour can be quite variable, depending on light intensity. It can be brownish grey or bright green or turquoise with grey to blue reticulated markings on its body and head. The head and tail are often turquoise. Hatchlings have a yellowish green head and typical light bands and bars on their backs.
[edit] Distribution and habitat
Phelsuma standingi is restricted to the arid southwest of Madagascar, specifically the region around Andranolaho and Sakaraha. This area has a unique thorn forest vegetation. The daytime temperature never drops under 20 °C (68 °F) and between January and December, the temperature can be as high as 40 °C (104 °F) in the shade. In July and August, the night temperature can drop to 13 °C (55 °F).
[edit] Diet
Standing's day gecko feeds on various insects, invertebrates, and even smaller lizards. It is omnivorous however, supplemnting its prey with soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
[edit] Behaviour
This species lives in pairs on trees.
[edit] Reproduction
At a temperature of 28 °C (82 °F), the young will hatch after approximately 60–70 days. The juveniles measure 80 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year.
[edit] Care and maintenance in captivity
These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be around 30 °C (86 °F). A spot lamp should provide the animals with a basking spot and a local temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). At night, the temperature should be dropped to 22 °C (72 °F). In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, mealworms and houseflies.
[edit] References
- Madagascar Reptile & Amphibian Specialist Group (1996). Phelsuma standingi. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. www.iucnredlist.org. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A1cd v2.3)
- 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.
