Blue-tailed day gecko

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Blue-tailed day gecko
Phelsuma cepediana Mauritius 040128.jpg
Male, Senneville, Mauritius
Blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana).jpg
Female, Ebony Forest Reserve Chamarel, Mauritius
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. cepediana
Binomial name
Phelsuma cepediana
(Milbert, 1812) [1]
Phelsuma cepediana distribution.png
Synonyms [1]
  • Gecko cepedianus
    Milbert, 1812
  • Phelsuma crepidianus [sic]
    Gray, 1825
  • Phelsuma ornatum
    Gray, 1825
  • Anoplopus cepedeanus [sic]
    Wagler, 1830
  • Platydactylus cepedianus
    A.M.C. Duméril & Bibron, 1836
  • Phelsuma trilineatum
    Gray, 1842
  • Phelsuma cepedianum
    Boulenger, 1885
  • Phelsuma cepediana
    Mertens, 1962
Female Blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) 2.jpg
Female

The blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana) is a diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to the island Mauritius. It typically inhabits warm and humid places and dwells on different trees and bushes.

Contents

Additionally, it is noteworthy that the blue-tailed day gecko can change colors and patterns ontogenetically. Depending on the activity, coloration can differ.

Etymology

The specific name, cepediana, is in honor of French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède. [2]

Description

Phelsuma cepediana is a mid-sized day gecko. It can reach a total length (including tail) of 3.75-5.5″ (9.5-14cm). Female blue tailed geckos are usually smaller in size than the male.

Male blue tailed geckos are typically more vivid than female blue tailed geckos. The male body colour is light green or bluish green. The backs of males have a bright blue colour and are covered with dark red spots and dashes. The males have deep blue tails; this blue color may also be found on their face. Females lack the brilliant blue colour of the males. They have a bright green back and rust-coloured spots. There is always a dorso-lateral stripe present, which may be broken. A red stripe extends from the nostril to the shoulder. [3]

Habitat and distribution

Blue tailed geckos and other reptiles are sensitive to artificial light at night and will change their behaviors as a result of being exposed to this light. These geckos are primarily diurnal, as are most of the geckos in their genus (Phelsuma). It has been found that blue tailed geckos will change their foraging behavior from diurnal to nocturnal in cases where they have artificial light sources at their disposal. Nocturnal activity includes agonistic or aggressive behaviors, courtship, and foraging. When artificial lights are used in nocturnal situations, it alters the amount of time and effort that visual predators will spend foraging. [4]

The Phelsuma cepediana is one of only seven species of the Mascarene species that is still alive. This species is the sole pollinator and seed disperser of a climbing shrub, the Roussea simplex , which is endemic to the mountains of the Mauritius. [5] They can typically be found on trees and bushes that produce fruits, such as coconut palms, banana trees, and papayas. These locations are warm and moist climates, which are preferred by this gecko.[ citation needed ]

The blue-tailed day gecko inhabits the island Mauritius where it is widely distributed. P. cepediana may also have been introduced to Madagascar where it has been reported a few times, amongst others in the region of Iviloina. These observations have not been confirmed, however. Although these lizards seem to be unable to colonize agricultural areas, [6] they can survive in suburban gardens that are heavily watered and planted as long as these gardens are near trees that produce fruit or flowers throughout the year. [7]

Diet

The blue-tailed day gecko feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. It also licks soft, sweet fruit, pollen, and nectar. The flowers of the now critically endangered liana Roussea simplex produce copious amounts of nectar and are pollinated only by the blue-tailed day gecko. The blue-tailed day gecko plays a role by licking up a gelatinous substance secreted by the fruit which contains the minute seeds. It disperses the seeds in its droppings.

Behavior

This Phelsuma species can be quite aggressive both toward its own and to other Phelsuma species. In captivity, where the females cannot escape, the males sometimes seriously wound the female. In this case, the male and female must be separated.[ citation needed ]

Protective coloration and behavior

Lizards can change in color and pattern ontogenetically. Conspicuous tail colors appear only in juveniles and can fade by adulthood. Research has been conducted in order to determine if these tail colors compensate for "an increased activity, level, deflecting imminent attacks to the tail." Research has suggested that alteration of activities can affect the ontogenetic color and pattern changes. Lizards that are active and forage in habitats that are open tend to increase the probability that they will be attacked by ambush predators. Deflection displays and conspicuous colors can shift attacks to the expendable tail. By doing this, the prey's overall likelihood of surviving the attack is increased. [8]

Reproduction

Blue tailed geckos lay eggs every 3-4 weeks. They typically lay 2 eggs. [9]

The females will lay their eggs in a location that they feel is safe and protected. The geckos will glue their eggs in order to increase safety. When they are kept at a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, the eggs take between 40 and 45 days to hatch. When the new borns are measured, they are normally around 40 mm or 1.6 inches. [ citation needed ]

Predators

The Mauritius kestrel preys on the blue tailed gecko Mauritius kestrel (Falco punctatus).jpg
The Mauritius kestrel preys on the blue tailed gecko

These geckos frequently will hide amongst dense patches of palm-like Pandanus plants in order to protect themselves from their enemies. The Phelsuma cepediana is preyed on by critically endangered Mauritius kestrel. [10] This bird feeds almost exclusively on Phelsuma geckos, making Phelsuma cepediana one of its main prey. Other birds that are endemic to Mauritius also feed off of Phelsuma geckos. [11]

The 2mm-long ant Technomyrmex albipes that was introduced to Mauritius from the Indo-Pacific area seals the flowers of Roussea with clay to protect mealy bugs. These drink the sap and excrete a sugary urine that is collected by the ants. The ants attack animals that visit the plant, preventing the blue-tailed day gecko from pollinating the flowers and eating from the fruit, and in this way seriously hampering Roussea's reproduction. [12]

Captivity

Male Phelsuma cepediana are extremely high in demand as pets due to their vibrant coloration, and can cost $100 to $200 each. [13] [14] With good care, blue-tailed day geckos may live up to 15 years.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbour's day gecko</span> 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, also known as 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rodrigues day gecko</span> Extinct species of lizard

The Rodrigues day gecko, also known commonly as the Rodrigues blue-dotted day gecko, is an extinct species of day gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species was endemic to the island of Rodrigues, where it typically inhabited forests and dwelt in trees. The Rodrigues day gecko fed on insects and nectar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Round Island day gecko</span> Species of lizard

The Round Island day gecko, also known commonly as Günther's gecko, is an endangered species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to the islet Round Island, Mauritius, and typically dwells on palm trees. The Round Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mauritius lowland forest day gecko</span> Species of lizard

The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko, also known commonly as Guimbeau's day gecko and the orange-spotted day gecko, is a diurnal species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to the western coast of Mauritius and typically inhabits large trees. The Mauritius lowland forest day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Mauritius upland forest day gecko is a diurnal species of geckos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow-headed day gecko</span> Species of lizard

The yellow-headed day gecko, also commonly called Klemmer's day gecko, 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, dwelling on bamboo. The yellow-headed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gold dust day gecko</span> Species of lizard

The gold dust day gecko is a diurnal species of gecko. It lives in northern Madagascar, Tanzania, 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.

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flat-tailed day gecko</span> 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Standing's day gecko</span> Species of lizard

Standing's day gecko is an arboreal and diurnal species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to southwest Madagascar; it is threatened by illegal collection for the international pet trade and habitat loss. It is among the largest living species of day geckos. Standing's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seychelles giant day gecko</span> Subspecies of lizard

Seychelles giant day gecko is a 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.

<i>Phelsuma sundbergi ladiguensis</i> Subspecies of lizard

Phelsuma sundbergi ladiguensis is a diurnal subspecies of Phelsuma sundbergi. It lives on the islands Ladigue, Felicite and Cocco in the Seychelles, and typically inhabits trees and dwellings. The Seychelles giant day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mauritius ornate day gecko</span> Species of lizard

Mauritius ornate day gecko is a diurnal species of gecko. It occurs on the island of Mauritius and some surrounding islands and typically inhabits different trees and bushes. The Mauritius ornate day gecko 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.

Phelsuma pusilla hallmanni is a diurnal subspecies of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The subspecies is endemic to eastern Madagascar and typically inhabits different trees. This day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wildlife of Réunion</span>

The wildlife of Réunion is composed of its flora, fauna and funga. Being a small island, it only has nine native species of mammals, but ninety-one species of birds.

<i>Roussea</i> Genus of plants

Roussea simplex is a woody climber of 4–6 m high, that is endemic to the mountain forest of Mauritius. It is the only species of the genus Roussea, which is assigned to the family Rousseaceae. It has opposing, entire, obovate, green leaves, with modest teeth towards the tip and mostly pentamerous, drooping flowers with yellowish recurved tepals, and a purse-shaped orange corolla with strongly recurved narrowly triangular lobes.

References

  1. 1 2 "Phelsuma cepediana ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
  2. Beolens, Bo, Michael Watkins and Michael Grayson (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN   978-1-4214-0135-5. (Phelsuma cepediana, p. 149).
  3. "Phelsuma cepediana: Mauritian Blue-Tailed Day Gecko – FEMALES | Phelsuma Farm" . Retrieved 2021-10-26.
  4. Baxter-Gilbert, James; Baider, Claudia; Florens, Francois; Hawlitschek, Oliver; Mohan, Ashwini; Mohanty, Nitya; Wagener, Carla; Webster, Kathleen; Riley, Julia (2021-02-19). "Nocturnal foraging and activity by diurnal lizards: Six species of day geckos (Phelsuma spp.) using the night-light niche". Austral Ecology. 46 (3): 501–506. doi:10.1111/aec.13012.
  5. Thébaud, Christophe; Warren, Ben; Cheke, Anthony; Strasberg, Dominique (2009-01-01), "Mascarene Islands, Biology", Encyclopedia of islands, retrieved 2021-10-26
  6. McKeown, Sean (1993). The General Care and Maintenance of Day Geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems. ISBN   1882770226.
  7. "Phelsuma cepediana: Mauritian Blue-Tailed Day Gecko – FEMALES | Phelsuma Farm" . Retrieved 2021-10-26.
  8. Hawlena, Dror; Boochnik, Rami; Abramsky, Zvika; Bouskila, Amos (2006-11-01). "Blue tail and striped body: why do lizards change their infant costume when growing up?". Behavioral Ecology. 17 (6): 889–896. doi: 10.1093/beheco/arl023 . ISSN   1045-2249.
  9. "Blue tailed day gecko phelsuma cepediana captive breed".
  10. "The Day-geckos of Mauritius". FROG BLOG MANCHESTER. 2015-08-20. Retrieved 2021-10-26.
  11. "Gecko key to preventing Mauritian plant extinction". Archived from the original on 2021-10-26.
  12. "Roussea simplex". Kew Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 2016-03-17.
  13. "Blue-Tailed Day Gecko - Phelsuma cepediana (Captive Bred) | Josh's Frogs". Blue-Tailed Day Gecko - Phelsuma cepediana (Captive Bred) | Josh's Frogs. Retrieved 2021-11-18.
  14. "PHELSUMA CEPEDIANA: MAURITIAN BLUE-TAILED DAY GECKO – FEMALES". Archived from the original on 2017-04-25.

Further reading