Ocelot gecko

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Ocelot gecko
Big-headed gecko (Paroedura picta) Arboretum d'Antsokay.jpg
Arboretum d'Antsokay, Madagascar
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Paroedura
Species:
P. picta
Binomial name
Paroedura picta
Peters, 1854
Paroedura picta distribution.png
Synonyms
  • Diplodactylus pictus
  • Phyllodactylus pictus
  • Paroedura pictus

The ocelot gecko (Paroedura picta) is a crepuscular ground-dwelling gecko found in leaf litter in Madagascar forests [1] and is also a popular pet. It is sometimes known as the Madagascar ground gecko, Malagasy fat-tailed gecko, fat-headed gecko, panther gecko or pictus gecko

Contents

Characteristics

P. picta naturally occurs as a brown lizard with black markings. Some individuals may also have a white dorsal stripe. In captivity, there are several color phases available including hypo, orange, anerythristic, and amelanistic (yellow).

They usually reach a size of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm), with some well-cared-for males reaching 8 inches (20 cm). Overall, they are smaller than the average gecko. These creatures feature slender, elongated bodies and narrow, pointed heads, and come in a range of colors. The colors usually involve shades of brown, grey, and cream, with markings or spots that resemble ocelot spots. They also have large, rounded eyes with vertical pupils and sticky toe pads that allow them to climb and adhere to surfaces. [2]

The ocelot gecko is not a true climbing gecko, but does have the capability to climb a few surfaces. In captivity, it has been known to scale the sides of glass terrariums if startled.

They are exclusively insectivorous.

They are nocturnal creatures. They spend their days hiding in crevices or under rocks. They are best observed during their preferred hunting time, between dusk and dawn. [3]

In captivity

These geckos do well in captivity but do not like being handled and may bite if scared. They can live in captivity for between six and ten years. [4]

Related Research Articles

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<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.

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

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<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.

<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">Seipp's day gecko</span> Species of lizard

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<i>Paroedura</i> Genus of lizards

Paroedura is a genus of geckos, endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros. These geckos are typically terrestrial, though the young of most species can climb until they are too heavy for their feet to support.

<i>Uroplatus</i> Genus of lizards

Uroplatus is a genus of geckos, commonly referred to as leaf-tail geckos or flat-tailed geckos, which are endemic to Madagascar and its coastal islands, such as Nosy Be. They are nocturnal, insectivorous lizards found exclusively in primary and secondary forest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Leopard gecko</span> Species of reptile

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<i>Uroplatus ebenaui</i> Species of lizard

Uroplatus ebenaui, commonly known as Ebenau's leaf-tailed gecko, the Nosy Be flat-tail gecko, and the spearpoint leaf-tail gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to Madagascar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common flat-tail gecko</span> Species of lizard

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<i>Uroplatus phantasticus</i> Species of gecko endemic to Madagascar

Uroplatus phantasticus, the satanic leaf-tailed gecko, eyelash leaf-tailed gecko or the phantastic leaf-tailed gecko, is a species of gecko indigenous to the island of Madagascar. First described in 1888 by George Albert Boulenger, U. phantasticus is the smallest in body of the Uroplatus geckos, though there is an ongoing debate as to whether one of its cousins, U. ebenaui, is smaller because of its shorter tail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panther chameleon</span> Species of lizard

The panther chameleon is a species of chameleon found in the eastern and northern parts of Madagascar in a tropical forest biome. Additionally, it has been introduced to Réunion and Mauritius.

<i>Acrantophis dumerili</i> Species of snake

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<i>Acrantophis madagascariensis</i> Species of snake

Acrantophis madagascariensis is a species of boid snake in the subfamily Sanziniinae that is endemic to the island of Madagascar. Its common names include the Madagascar ground boa and Malagasy ground boa.

<i>Uroplatus sikorae</i> Species of lizard

Uroplatus sikorae, commonly referred to as the mossy leaf-tailed gecko or the southern flat-tail gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar. It is a CITES II protected animal due to habitat loss.

<i>Paroedura masobe</i> Species of lizard

Paroedura masobe, also called masobe gecko, is an endangered species of reptile from the genus of geckos. They are the most abundant species in the Gecko family and are known for their white-speckled dark skin and big eyes. The average life span of the Paroedura masobe is approximately eight years. The average length of the masobe gecko is 0.16 m (6.3 in).

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

Phelsuma quadriocellata is a species of gecko known by the common name peacock day gecko. It is endemic to coastal eastern Madagascar, where it is a common to abundant, widespread reptile. This gecko lives in many types of low- to mid-elevation habitat types in Madagascar, including forests and areas with human activity such as cultivated land and human habitation. It is sometimes associated with Pandanus species.

<i>Uroplatus sameiti</i> Species of lizard

Uroplatus sameiti is a species of leaf-tailed gecko. Like all members of the genus Uroplatus, U. sameiti is endemic to Madagascar, and is found in primary and secondary forests on the island. It has the ability to change its skin colour to match its surroundings and possesses dermal flaps which break up its outline when at rest.

References

  1. Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (2007). A Field Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Madagascar (3rd ed.). Cologne, Germany: Vences & Glaw Verlags. ISBN   978-3929449037.
  2. Kataria, Kaajal (2023-01-11). "Ocelot Gecko Care Sheet: How To Care For Ocelot Gecko". Pet Engineers. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
  3. "Pictus Gecko Care". TheGeckoSpot.net. Archived from the original on 2019-08-16. Retrieved 2018-09-17.
  4. Bergman, Julie. "Madagascar Ground Gecko Care Sheet". Reptiles Magazine. Archived from the original on 2019-08-04. Retrieved 2018-08-09.