Phelsuma quadriocellata

Phelsuma quadriocellata
P. q. quadriocellata Ranomafana National Park
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1) [1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Gekkota
Family:	Gekkonidae
Genus:	Phelsuma
Species:	P. quadriocellata
Binomial name
Phelsuma quadriocellata Peters, 1883

Phelsuma quadriocellata is a species of gecko known by the common name "Peacock Day Gecko". It is endemic to the coastal regions of eastern Madagascar, where it is an abundant and widespread reptile. ^{[1] [2] [3] [4]} This gecko lives in many types of low and mid elevation habitats in Madagascar, including forests. The Peacock Day Gecko has also been known to live in areas with human activity and habitation, including regions being used for land cultivation. It is sometimes associated with Pandanus species. ^[1]

Description

P. quadriocellata measures 4.7-4.8″ (12 cm) long, ^[5] including the tail. Like other arboreal geckos, the Peacocks Day Gecko have lidless eyes and sticky toe pads^{[ citation needed ]}. This gecko is bright green, with small red markings and a pale underside. The tail may also be blue in certain individuals^{[ citation needed ]}. An identifying characteristic of this species is large dark spots on either side of the abdomen. Some localities of this species also have two such spots^{[ citation needed ]}, while some others can also have four^{[ citation needed ]}.

Species Status and Current Subspecies

Phelsuma quadriocellata is currently understood to be a species complex. At present, it is divided into three subspecies: ^{[1] [2]}

• P. q. quadriocellata
• P. q. lepida
• P. q. bimaculata

A fourth subspecies was recently elevated to species status and is now named Phelsuma parva . ^{[1] [6]}

Captivity

This gecko species is occasionally kept as a pet. However, collection, as it stands at present, does not constitute a threat to this species. ^[1]

References

1. Glaw, F.; Vences, M. (2011). "Phelsuma quadriocellata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011 e.T172895A6937454. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172895A6937454.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
2. Phelsuma quadriocellata at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 3 January 2024.
3. McKeown, Sean (1993). Day geckos. Lakeside, Calif.: Advanced Vivarium Systems. ISBN   1-882770-22-6. OCLC   693781035.
4. "Peacock Day Gecko (Phelsuma quadriocellata)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2022-01-18.
5. "Phylogenetic Systematics Of Day Geckos, Genus Phelsuma, Based On Molecular And Morphological Data (Squamata: Gekkonidae)". Research Gate. April 2010. Retrieved Mar 7, 2024.
6. Phelsuma parva at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 3 January 2024.