Phelsuma breviceps BOETTGER 1894 is a diurnal species of geckos. It lives in south-east Madagascar and typically dwells on trees and bushes. The Madagascar day gecko feeds on insects.

Description:

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum total length of about 10 cm. Typical for this species is the short snout. The basic body colour is light grey to brownish. On the back there are light blue and dark dots and stripes. The legs have light blue spots.

Distribution:

This species inhabits the sout-east Madagascar. It is found in the area around Toliara and near the Tsimanampetsotsa-lake.

Habitat:

P. breviceps is adapted to a dry climate. is often found on wood spurge (Euphorbia stenoclada ) which has 7 cm large thorns.

Diet:

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates.

Behaviour:

Unlike most Phelsuma spec., this species is rather quiet.

Reproduction:

The females lay their eggs between the wood spurge thorns.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a dry terrarium. 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.