Standing's day gecko

Standing's day gecko
Female of Phelsuma standingi, with prominent endolymphatic chalk sacs
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Gekkonidae
Subfamily:	Gekkoninae
Genus:	Phelsuma
Species:	P. standingi
Binomial name
Phelsuma standingi Methuen & Hewitt, 1913

Standing's day gecko at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

Standing's day gecko at Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park

The Standing's day gecko (Phelsuma standingi) is an arboreal and diurnal species of gecko endemic to the Zombitse-Vohibasia National Park in the southwest of Madagascar. It is among the largest living species of day geckos. Standing's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Etymology

Its generic name is a Latinized version of the last name of Dutch physician Murk van Phelsum. Its specific name is in honor of another physician, Doctor Herbert F. Standing of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Description

This lizard is among the largest extant species of day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of 28 centimetres (11 in). 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.

It is a sexually dimorphic species. In the males cloacal area has very pronounced preanal pores than the females and a bulge in the area of hemipenis. In many females two endolymphatic chalk sacs, located on the sides of their necks, 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.

Distribution and habitat

Phelsuma standingi is restricted to the arid southwest of Madagascar, specifically the region around Andranolaho and Sakaraha. 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).

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.

Behaviour

This strictly arboreal species lives in pairs on trees; these geckos spend 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 presence of other males; females have this character towards other females, this behavior is rather rare in geckos.

Reproduction

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.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be around 30 °C (86 °F). A spot lamp should provide the animals with a basking spot and a local temperature of 35 °C (95 °F). At night, the temperature should be dropped to 22 °C (72 °F). In captivity, these animals can be fed with a variety of insects and insect larvae (e.g. crickets, young roaches, wax moth larvae, mealworms, and houseflies); to substitute the natural nectar, fruit puree can be offered; vitamin and calcium supplements are necessary for a healthy development of this lizard.

References

• Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3-8001-7323-9
• McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.

External links

• The Reptile Database
• Phelsumaweb
• Italian Gekko