Phelsuma kely

Last updated

Phelsuma kely
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. kely
Binomial name
Phelsuma kely
Schönecker, Bach & Glaw, 2004
Phelsuma kely distribution.png

Phelsuma kely is a species of diurnal gecko. [1] [2] It is endemic to Madagascar and is known from the central east coast of Madagascar, south of Tamatave. [1] It typically inhabits dragon trees. The gecko feeds on insects and probably nectar.

Contents

Little is known of this species, and it is known only from a single locality. It was first scientifically described in 2004. The IUCN declines to classify it as endangered or otherwise, citing "no information on its distribution, population status or threats". [1]

Appearance

It is the smallest known day gecko, reaching a total length of about 7.1 cm. Its body colour is variable and dependent on the mood of the animal. During activity, the basic body colour is white-gray with a black pattern on the back. However, the body colour can turn dark also. A black lateral stripe extends from the eye to the tail. The ventral side is grayish-white.

Distribution

This species inhabits the central east coast of Madagascar, south of Tamatave. It is only known from the area around Lac Ampitabe. [1]

Habitat

P. kely is found on dragon trees. It shares its habitat with Phelsuma seippi , Phelsuma guttata , Phelsuma lineata , Phelsuma madagascariensis madagascariensis , Phelsuma quadriocellata , Phelsuma abbotti chekei , Phelsuma dubia , Phelsuma laticauda laticauda and Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis . All these species live sympatrically and partly syntopically. In March, the daytime temperature is around 27 °C and drops to around 23 °C at nighttime. The relative humidity is between 80 and 90%.

Diet

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. Like many members of the genus Phelsuma, this species might also feed on pollen and nectar.

Behaviour

This Phelsuma species is very shy.

Reproduction

In captivity, the females lay a pair of eggs which measure about 7 x 6 mm. At a temperature of 28 °C during the day and 22 °C at night, the young will hatch after approximately 60 days. The juveniles have a total length of about 25–28 mm.

Captivity

These geckos have been commercially traded, sometimes misidentified as Lygodactylus spp. [2]

These animals should be housed in pairs in a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between about 28 °C during the day and around 20 °C at nighttime. The relative humidity should be maintained between 80 and 90%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moths, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.[ citation needed ]

Related Research Articles

<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.

Madagascar day gecko Subspecies of lizard

The Madagascar day gecko is a diurnal species of gecko. It lives on the eastern coast of Madagascar and typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The Madagascar day gecko feeds on insects, fruit and nectar.

Barbours day gecko Species of lizard

Barbour's day gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to central Madagascar. It is diurnal and typically dwells on rocks. Barbour's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<i>Phelsuma dubia</i> Species of lizard

Phelsuma dubia, dull day gecko, olive day gecko, Zanzibar day gecko, or green day gecko is a diurnal species of gecko. It is about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) in length and lives on the western coast of Madagascar, in the Comoros, and the coast of East Africa. It typically inhabits trees and can also be found near human dwellings. The Dull day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<i>Phelsuma breviceps</i> Species of lizard

Phelsuma breviceps is a diurnal species of gecko that is native to south-west Madagascar and typically dwells on trees and bushes. Its diet in the wild consists mainly of insects.

Yellow-throated day gecko Species of lizard

The yellow-throated day gecko is an endangered diurnal species of gecko from eastern Madagascar. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The yellow-throated day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Speckled day gecko Species of lizard

The speckled day gecko is a diurnal species of geckos. It lives in eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The speckled day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Yellow-headed day gecko Species of lizard

The yellow-headed day gecko, also commonly called Klemmer's day gecko, or the cheerful day gecko, is a small diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. This endangered species is endemic to northwestern Madagascar and inhabits coastal forests, dwelling on bamboo. The yellow-headed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Gold dust day gecko Species of lizard

The gold dust day gecko is a diurnal species of gecko. It lives in northern Madagascar, and on the island of Comoros; it has also been introduced to Hawaii and other Pacific islands. It's typically seen in houses and various trees. The gold dust day gecko feeds on insects and nectar. It is commonly known as the mascot of GEICO Insurance, and also the main character of the video game series, Gex.

Phelsuma laticauda angularisMertens, 1964 is a diurnal subspecies of geckos. It lives in northern Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees and houses. The Gold dust day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<i>Phelsuma grandis</i> Species of day gecko

Phelsuma grandis is a diurnal arboreal species of day gecko. These geckos are part of the Phelsuma group, which consists of in excess of 70 species and subspecies. They are commonly referred to as the Madagascar giant day gecko, due to their large size. They are native to areas of tropical and subtropical forest in northern Madagascar, but have been introduced to several other subtropical locations outside their range. P. grandis feeds on various invertebrates, very small vertebrates, and nectars. It is bred and sold as an exotic pet.

Kochs giant day gecko Subspecies of lizard

Koch's giant day gecko is a diurnal subspecies of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The subspecies is native to northwestern and western Madagascar and typically inhabits trees. It feeds on insects and nectar.

Boehme's giant day gecko is a diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. Boehme's giant day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Flat-tailed day gecko Species of lizard

The flat-tailed day gecko is a diurnal gecko lives in eastern Madagascar. It is endangered due to illegal collection for the international pet trade. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The flat-tailed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Robert Mertenss day gecko Species of lizard

Robert Mertens's day gecko is diurnal species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to the Comoros.

Seipps day gecko Species of lizard

Seipp's day gecko is an endangered diurnal species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to northern Madagascar, typically inhabits rainforests, dwells on trees, and feeds on insects and nectar.

<i>Phelsuma pronki</i> Species of lizard

Phelsuma pronki is a critically endangered diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to central Madagascar, and threatened by severe habitat loss and collection for the international pet trade. It typically inhabits rainforests, dwells on trees, and feeds on insects and nectar.

Phelsuma parkeri, commonly known as Parker's day gecko or the Pemba Island day gecko, is a diurnal species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Pemba Island, Tanzania, and typically inhabits banana trees and dwellings. The Pemba Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

The Phelsuma pusilla pusillaMertens, 1964 is a diurnal gecko and lives in eastern Madagascar. It typically inhabits different trees and houses. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Raxworthy, C.J.; Ratsoavina, F.; Glaw, F.; Rabibisoa, N.; Rakotondrazafy, N.A.; Bora, P. (2011). "Phelsuma kely". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011: e.T172994A6954722. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172994A6954722.en . Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  2. 1 2 Phelsuma kely at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 29 December 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.