Kingdom Animalia Order Squamata Genus Phelsuma Higher classification Phelsuma | Phylum Chordata Family Gekkonidae Scientific name Phelsuma klemmeri Rank Species | |
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Similar Reptile, Geckos, Gold dust day gecko, Phelsuma quadriocellata, Phelsuma grandis | ||
Yellow headed day gecko
The yellow-headed day gecko (Phelsuma klemmeri), also called Klemmer's day gecko, or cheerful day gecko, is a small diurnal species of gecko. This endangered species is endemic to northwestern Madagascar and inhabits coastal forests (both dry and humid), dwelling on bamboo. The yellow-headed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Contents
- Yellow headed day gecko
- Etymology
- Description
- Geographic range
- Habitat
- Diet
- Behaviour
- Reproduction
- References
Etymology
The specific name, klemmeri, is in honor of German herpetologist Konrad Klemmer.
Description
P. klemmeri belongs to the smallest subfamily of day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 4 inches. The body colour of this slender and long-snouted gecko is turquoise blue at the upper and mid-back. The lower back is light brown. Most of the tail is turquoise blue. Remarkable is the laterally flattened body. Another typical characteristic is the yellow head. A dark black spot is present behind the eye, followed by a black stripe which extends to the rear extremities. The legs and toes are brown speckled. The ventral side is grayish white. The sexes can easily be distinguished by the orange color around the femoral pores of the males.
Geographic range
P. klemmeri inhabits northwest Madagascar, along the coast. It is only known from the Ampasindava Peninsula (at Antsatsaka) and near Mandrozo Lake.
Habitat
P. klemmeri typically lives in bamboo forests. They sometimes share their habitat with Phelsuma seippi and Phelsuma madagascariensis grandis. They are found only on yellow bamboo canes which they also use to hide in case of danger.
Diet
P. klemmeri feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Behaviour
P. klemmeri likes to bask. It often lives in small groups.
Reproduction
P. klemmeri females lay a pair of eggs and hide them in bamboo canes. At a temperature of 27 °C (80.6 °F), the young will hatch after approximately 39–52 days. The juveniles measure 22–29 mm (0.87–1.14 in).