Rodrigues giant day gecko (Phelsuma gigas (LIÉNARD 1842)) is an extinct diurnal species of geckos. It lived on Rodrigues and surrounding islands and typically dwelled on trees. The Rodrigues giant day gecko fed on insects and nectar.

Scientific synonyms:

• Gecko gigas LIÉNARD 1842
• Gecko newtoni Hoffstetter, 1946
• Phelsuma gigas Vinson & Vinson, 1969

Description:

This Phelsuma was to the largest known day gecko. It reached a total length of about 40 cm. The body colour was grayish or grayish brown. On the back there were irregular black spottings. The tail had some striping and was charcoal- or dark gray-coloured. The tongue had a pink colour and the ventral side was light yellow. The original collected specimens which were used to describe this species, have been lost. Today, only a few portions of some skeletons remain.

Distribution:

This species inhabited Rodrigues and surrounding islands. P. gigas was last collected in 1842 on the offshore islet of Ile aux Fregates.

Habitat:

P. gigas lived in forests on trees. Their original habitat was largely destroyed by humans and as a result of introduction of rats and cats.

Diet:

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

References:

• Günther (1877) Journal of the Linnean Society, Zoology, 13:322-327
• Liénard (1842) Rapport de la Société d'Histoire Naturelle de Maurice, (13):55-57
• McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.