Phelsuma vanheygeni

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Phelsuma vanheygeni
Systematics
Superordinate : Scale lizards (Lepidosauria)
Order : Scale reptiles (Squamata)
without rank: Geckos (gekkota)
Family : Geckos (Gekkonidae)
Genre : Day geckos ( Phelsuma )
Type : Phelsuma vanheygeni
Scientific name
Phelsuma vanheygeni
Lerner , 2004

Phelsuma vanheygeni is a species within the genus of the day geckos ( Phelsuma ).

discovery

Phelsuma vanheygeni was first discovered during an expedition in 2004 by the manager of the terrarium accessories manufacturer ExoTerra, Emmanuel van Heygen, in the bamboo forests on the Ampasindava peninsula in northwest Madagascar . The specific epithet vanheygeni was chosen after him .

In a later expedition in 2006 they returned to Madagascar to find out more about the way of life, distribution and ecology of this day gecko species.

description

Phelsuma vanheygeni is one of the smallest known gecko species with a total length of only 75–80 mm and a head-to-trunk length of 31 to 35 mm. The entire body, including the tail and head, is rather flattened. The color of the top of this Phelsume can be described as a rich light green ("vivid green"). Some small, almost inconspicuous, red dots can also be found on the top. These points are distributed irregularly and are usually somewhat larger in males. Its scales are smooth. The white underside is distinguished from the upper side by a pale yellowish stripe. When stressed, the species takes on a very dark color. The juveniles of this species differ from the adults mainly in their yellowish-brown color.

distribution

Distribution area according to IUCN

Phelsuma vanheygeni has so far only been sighted at three sites in Madagascar, which are about 20 km apart. One can therefore conclude that the range is limited to Madagascar and in particular to the Ampasinadava peninsula .

habitat

The sites of this day gecko species showed dense vegetation of sparse, young bamboo forests . It was also observed that Phelsuma vanheygeni prefers to live in the still young bamboo industries as thick as an arm. Since the young bamboo branches are still green, in contrast to the already dead ones, the gecko can be almost perfectly camouflaged on them. The green foliage of the bamboo industry also helps camouflage.

behavior

Phelsuma vanheygeni lives very shy and hidden in the dense bamboo forests and can flee very quickly in case of danger due to its quick reaction time and its small size .

climate

Phelsuma vanheygeni lives in the tropical rainy climates (according to C. Troll and KH Paffen), which are mainly known for their hot, humid climate.

nutrition

Phelsuma vanheygeni , like most phelsumens, feeds omnivorously on animal and vegetable food in the form of insects , nectar and ripe fruits.

Terrariums

In comparison to other day gecko species, Phelsuma vanheygeni is kept relatively seldom in terrariums , but proves to be an uncomplicated and vital terrarium inhabitant. Temperatures of 30 to 33 ° C should be reached in the terrarium . Irrigation should take place in the mornings and evenings if possible. In addition, the gecko should be given enough hiding places.

literature

  • Hans-Peter Berghof: Day geckos. The genus Phelsuma. Maintenance and propagation. 2nd Edition. Natur-und-Tier-Verlag, Münster 2008, ISBN 978-3-937285-45-0 .
  • Gerhard Hallmann, Jens Krüger, Gerd Trautmann: Fascinating day geckos. The genus Phelsuma. 2nd, revised and expanded edition. Natur-und-Tier-Verlag, Münster 2008, ISBN 978-3-86659-059-5 .

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