Blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana MERREM 1820) is a diurnal species of geckos. It lives on the island Mauritius and typically inhabits warm and humid places and dwells on different trees and bushes. The Blue-tailed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Scientific synonyms:

• Phelsuma inunguis CUVIER 1817
• Platydactylus Cepedianus - DUMÉRIL & BIBRON 1836: 301
• Phelsuma trilineatum GRAY 1842
• Phelsuma cepedianum - ANGEL 1942: 29
• Phelsuma trilineata - RAXWORTHY & NUSSBAUM 1993
• Phelsuma cepediana - KLUGE 1993
• Phelsuma cepediana - GLAW & VENCES 1994: 297
• Phelsuma cepediana - RÖSLER 2000: 101

Description:

This lizard belongs to the middle sized day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 15 cm. There always is a dorso-lateral strip present, which may be broken. A red stripe extends from the nostril to the shoulder. The male body colour is light green or bluish green. The back of males has a bright blue colour and is covered with dark red spots and dashes. The males have a deep blue tail. Females lack the brilliant blue colour of the males. They have a bright green back and rust-coloured spots.

Distribution:

This species inhabits the island Mauritius where it is widely distributed. P. cepediana may also have been introduced to Madagascar where it has been reported a few times, amongst others in the region of Iviloina. These observations have not been confirmed though.

Habitat:

P. cepediana is mainly found on bushes and trees such as coconut palms, traveler's palms, banana trees and papayas. They also inhabit gardens and houses in suburban areas. These geckos prefer a moist and warm climate. McKeown (1993) mentions that the original vegetation of Mauritius has been largely replaced with agricultural crops where these day geckos cannot live.

Diet:

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.

Behaviour:

This Phelsuma spec. can be quite aggressive both toward their own and to other Phelsuma species. In captivity, where the females cannot escape, the males can also sometimes seriously wound a female. In this case the male and female must be separated.

Reproduction:

The females lay their eggs in a protected location. These Phelsumas glue their eggs. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 40–45 days. The juveniles measure 40 mm.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, well planted terrarium. It is important to provide the terrarium with sufficient air flow. The temperature should be between 28 and 30°C. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 100. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth, fruits flies, mealworms and houseflies.

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.