Class Reptilia | Phylum Chordata Genus Phelsuma Rank Species | |
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Similar Phelsuma breviceps, Yellow‑throated day gecko, Phelsuma modesta, Seipp's day gecko, Barbour's day gecko | ||
Phelsuma pronki is diurnal species of gecko. It is endemic to central Madagascar, typically inhabits rainforests, dwells on trees, and feeds on insects and nectar.
Contents
Etymology
The specific name, pronki, is in honor of Dutch naturalist Olaf Pronk.
Description
P. pronki belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length (including tail) of about 11 cm (4.3 in). The body colour is greyish, and the head is yellow. Four serrated black stripes extend from the snout to the tail. The extremities are blackish with grey speckles. A yellow eye ring is present.
Geographic range
P. pronki inhabits the rainforest of the highland of central Madagascar near Andramasina.
Habitat
The habitat of Phelsuma pronki is rainy and very moist. There is a huge difference in temperature between night and day and between the different seasons. During the colder months, the temperature can be as low as 4–6 °C (39–43 °F) at night, yet over 20 °C (68 °F) during the day.
Diet
P. pronki feeds on various insects, other invertebrates, and nectar.
Reproduction
The females of P. pronki glue their eggs under loose bark.
Care and maintenance in captivity
Phelsuma pronki should be housed in pairs and need a well planted terrarium which should provide many places to hide. It is important that there are some spot lights for basking. The daytime temperature should be around 29 °C (84 °F), while at night the temperature should drop to 20 °C (68 °F). The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 100%. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, fruit flies, mealworms, and houseflies.