Andaman Islands day gecko (Phelsuma andamanense BLYTH 1861) is a species of geckos. It is a small, slender lizard, has a bright green colour and feeds on insects. It is only found on the Andaman Islands.

Scientific synonyms:

• Gecko chameleon TYTLER 1864
• Phelsuma madagascariensis- LOVERIDGE 1942: 467
• Phelsuma andamanensis MERTENS 1962
• Phelsuma andamanensis BÖRNER 1984
• Phelsuma andamanensis KLUGE 1993
• Phelsuma andamanensis RÖSLER 2000: 101

Description:

The body of this day gecko is bright green with red dots and stripes on the back. Males have a bluish or turquoise coloured tail. On both sides of the snout, a redish-brown stripe is extending from the nostrils to the ear. The undersurface of the body is bright yellow or off-white.

Habitat:

This species inhabits lowland where is typically found in domestic gardens with coconut palms and banana trees. It also sometimes lives on local huts.

Behaviour:

These shy day geckos are extremely aggressive toward other members of its species.

Reproduction:

Phelsuma andamanense normally lays two eggs in a protected and elevated location. The females can be extraordinarily fertile. It has been observed that during a period of 18 months, 14 pairs of eggs were laid.

References:

• Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagascars, 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.