Standing's day gecko

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Standing's day gecko
Female of Phelsuma standingi, with prominent endolymphatic chalk sacs
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. standingi
Binomial name
Phelsuma standingi
Methuen & Hewitt, 1913[2]
Standing's day gecko at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park
Standing's day gecko at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Standing's day gecko (Phelsuma standingi) is an

day geckos
. Standing's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Etymology

The generic name, Phelsuma, is a Latinized version of the last name of Dutch physician Murk van Phelsum.[3] The specific name, standingi, is in honor of another physician, Doctor Herbert F. Standing of Antananarivo, Madagascar.[4]

Description

P. standingi is among the largest

day geckos. It can reach a maximum total length (including tail) of 8-10″ (20-25.4cm), although larger is possible. The body colour can be quite variable, depending on light intensity. It can be brownish grey or bright green or turquoise with grey to blue reticulated markings on its body and head. The head and tail are often turquoise. Hatchlings have a yellowish green head and typical light bands and bars on their backs.[5]

It is a sexually dimorphic species. In the males the cloacal area has very pronounced preanal pores and a bulge in the area of hemipenis. In many females two endolymphatic chalk sacs, located on each side of the neck, are well-developed, while in males usually they are just barely visible. These sacs store calcium, which is needed for the formation of egg shells.[5]

Distribution and habitat

P. standingi is restricted to the arid southwest of Madagascar, specifically the region around Andranolaho, Sakaraha and in the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park. This area has a unique thorn forest vegetation. The daytime temperature never drops under 20 °C (68 °F) and between January and December, the temperature can be as high as 40 °C (104 °F) in the shade. In July and August, the night temperature can drop to 13 °C (55 °F).[6]

Diet

Standing's day gecko feeds on various insects, invertebrates, and even smaller lizards. It is omnivorous, however, supplementing its prey with soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.[7]

Behaviour

Strictly an arboreal and diurnal species, P. standingi lives in pairs on trees, spending a lot of time basking in the sun on the highest and well exposed branches. The males are very territorial and will fight when in the presence of other males; females have this character towards other females, a behavior which is rather rare in geckos.[5]

Reproduction

P. standingi is oviparous. At a temperature of 28 °C (82 °F), the young will hatch after approximately 60–70 days. The juveniles measure 80 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year.[5]

In captivity, Standing's day geckos can be expected to live up to 15-20 years when appropriately cared-for.

References

  1. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T16947A6635765.en
    . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. Methuen, P. A. & Hewitt, J. (1913). "On a collection of reptiles from Madagascar made during the year 1911"
    . Annals of the Transvaal Museum. 3 (4): 183-193.
  3. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5
    .
  4. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5
    .
  5. ^ a b c d Bartlett, R.D. (1993). "Notes on Standing's Day Gecko (Phelsuma standingi )". Tropical Fish Hobbyist. T.F.H. Publications: 146–150.
  6. ISBN 978-1-84162-557-7
    .
  7. ISBN 978-0-7938-0222-7
    .

Further reading

External links

Wikispecies has information related to Standing's day gecko.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Phelsuma standingi.
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