Phelsuma astriata

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Phelsuma astriata
Phelsuma astriata Praslin 2015.JPG
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. astriata
Binomial name
Phelsuma astriata
Tornier, 1901
Phelsuma astriata distribution.png

Phelsuma astriata, the Seychelles (small) day gecko or stripeless day gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae endemic to the Seychelles.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest, subtropical or tropical mangrove forest, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, plantations, rural gardens, and urban areas. It is threatened by habitat loss. It lives in tropical areas. it eats vegetables of almost any kind.

Phelsuma astriata. Phelsuma astriata Praslin Seychelles 01.jpg
Phelsuma astriata.

These geckos possess the significant ability to dramatically change in colour intensity based on the presence or absence of light on or around them. The gecko appears bright green in light, but if kept in a dark place, even for a short period of time, its appearance darkens to an extremely dark green that could easily be mistaken for black when viewed in light. If a light is then shone on the gecko, a visual change seems to occur separately in each scale-like protuberance and gradually the entire gecko changes to a bright green in the light over a period of less than 3 minutes. The tail however changes slightly slower. During the change the gecko appears as a mottled bright and dark green simultaneously. See included images taken in Praslin, Seychelles.

Phelsuma astriata showing extremely dark green colouration after being left in the dark for a short period of time. Phelsuma astriata dark.jpg
Phelsuma astriata showing extremely dark green colouration after being left in the dark for a short period of time.
Phelsuma astriata showing change in colouration after exposure to light. Phelsuma astriata changing.jpg
Phelsuma astriata showing change in colouration after exposure to light.
Phelsuma astriata showing bright green colouration as is normally visible in daylight. Phelsuma astriata bright green.jpg
Phelsuma astriata showing bright green colouration as is normally visible in daylight.

Subspecies

There are 3 subspecies of Phelsuma astriata. [2]

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<i>Phelsuma</i> Genus of lizards

Phelsuma is a large genus of geckos in the family Gekkonidae. Species in the genus Phelsuma are commonly referred to as day geckos.

<i>Phelsuma astriata astriata</i> Subspecies of lizard

Phelsuma astriata astriata is a subspecies of Seychelles small day gecko. It is a small, slender lizard with bright green colour that feeds primarily on insects. It is found on several islands of the Seychelles.

<i>Phelsuma astriata semicarinata</i> Subspecies of lizard

Phelsuma astriata semicarinata is a subspecies of Seychelles day gecko. It is a small, slender gecko, has a bright green colour and feeds on insects. It is found on different islands of the Seychelles, where it often lives near human dwellings.

Seychelles giant day gecko Subspecies of lizard

Seychelles giant day gecko is diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives on the island Praslin in the Seychelles and typically inhabits trees and dwellings. The Seychelles giant day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

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References

  1. Gerlach, J.; Ineich, I. (2006). "Phelsuma astriata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2006: e.T61432A12483444. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2006.RLTS.T61432A12483444.en . Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. Species Phelsuma astriata at The Reptile Database
  3. (in French)[Mozzi, Déso & Probst, 2005. Un nouveau gecko vert introduit à la Réunion: Le Phelsuma astriata semicarinata (Cheke, 1982). - Bulletin Phaethon 21: 1-4 http://reptilvar.free.fr/Gecko_introduit_Reunion.pdf]

4. Observations made by Cheryl Allen on Praslin Island, Seychelles.