Yellow-headed day gecko

Yellow-headed day gecko
Conservation status
	; Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Gekkonidae
Genus:	Phelsuma
Species:	P. klemmeri
Binomial name
	Phelsuma klemmeri; Seipp, 1991

Last updated December 29, 2023

The yellow-headed day gecko (Phelsuma klemmeri), also commonly called Klemmer's day gecko,^[2] the neon 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 (both dry and humid), dwelling on bamboo.^[1] The yellow-headed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Etymology

The specific name, klemmeri, is in honor of German herpetologist Konrad Klemmer.^[2]

Description

P. klemmeri is very small, reaching a total length (including tail) of 3.25–3.75 in (8.3–9.5 cm). The body colour of this slender and long-snouted gecko is turquoise blue at the upper and mid-back. The lower back is light brown. Most of the tail is turquoise blue. Remarkable is the laterally flattened body. Another typical characteristic is the yellow head. A dark black spot is present behind the eye, followed by a black stripe which extends to the rear extremities. The legs and toes are brown speckled. The ventral side is grayish white. The sexes can easily be distinguished by the orange color around the femoral pores of the males.

Geographic range

P. klemmeri inhabits northwest Madagascar, along the coast. It is only known from the Ampasindava Peninsula (at Antsatsaka) and near Mandrozo Lake.^[1]

Habitat

P. klemmeri typically lives in bamboo forests. It sometimes shares its habitat with Phelsuma seippi and Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis . P. klemmeri is most commonly found on yellow bamboo canes, but may be found on green bamboo or other nearby foliage. When threatened, P. klemmeri will hide inside narrow cracks in the bamboo.

Diet

P. klemmeri feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. It also likes to lick soft sweet fruit, pollen, and nectar.

Behaviour

P. klemmeri is primarily active during the day (diurnal) and likes to bask. It often lives in small groups.

Reproduction

The female P. klemmeri lays a pair of eggs and hides them in bamboo canes. At a temperature of 27 °C (80.6 °F), the young will hatch after approximately 39–52 days. Each juvenile measures 22–29 mm (0.87–1.14 in).

Captivity

The species P. klemmeri is bred extensively in captivity, and the IUCN thinks it unlikely that it is still wild-caught.^[1]

When well cared-for, this species may live for up to 15 years.

Related Research Articles

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References

1 2 3 4 Raxworthy, C.J.; Ratsoavina, F.; Glaw, F.; Rabibisoa, N.; Rakotondrazafy, N.A.; Bora, P. (2011). "Phelsuma klemmeri ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2011: e.T172981A6952389. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172981A6952389.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
1 2 Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phelsuma klemmeri, p. 143).