Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Genus Phelsuma Higher classification Phelsuma | Phylum Chordata Family Gekkonidae Scientific name Phelsuma andamanense Rank Species | |
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Similar Phelsuma, Geckos, Phelsuma astriata, Phelsuma kely, Phelsuma modesta | ||
Andaman Islands day gecko (Phelsuma andamanense) is a species of geckos. It is found only on the Andaman and the Nicobar islands of India. It is a small, slender lizard, has a bright green colour and feeds on insects. It is noteworthy that its range is nearly 5000 km away from the centre of the distribution area of the genus Phelsuma.
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Description
The body of this day gecko is bright green with red dots and stripes on the back. Males have a bluish or turquoise coloured tail. On both sides of the snout, a reddish-brown stripe is extending from the nostrils to the ear. The undersurface of the body is bright yellow or off-white.
Habitat
Phelsuma andamanense inhabits lowlands where is typically found in domestic gardens on coconut palms, screw pines, banana trees and on sisal plants. It also sometimes lives on local huts.
Behaviour
These shy day geckos are extremely aggressive toward other members of its species.
Reproduction
Phelsuma andamanense normally lays two eggs in a protected and elevated location. The females can be extraordinarily fertile. It has been observed that during a period of 18 months, 14 pairs of eggs were laid.