Biology:Phelsuma lineata

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Short description: Species of lizard

Phelsuma lineata
Phelsuma Antanosy Andasibe Madagascar.jpg
Phelsuma lineata lineata
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. lineata
Binomial name
Phelsuma lineata
Gray, 1842

Phelsuma lineata, the lined day gecko, is a species of diurnal gecko native to Madagascar . It has also been introduced to Réunion.[1]

This species as described appears to be a conglomeration of many distinct forms; three of these are currently recognized subspecies (ssp. lineata, ssp. bombetokensis, and ssp. punctulata), but others could be separate taxa that should be elevated to species status as was Phelsuma dorsivittata. Phelsuma lineata is not threatened, but some unknown subspecies might be.[1]

Description

The lined day gecko commonly measures between 4-6″ (10-15 cm) in length. Males are more colorful than females, having a medium-green base color, red splotches on the lower back and head, and a brown to black lateral band on each side. The tail may be blue. The underside is pale.

Distribution and Habitat

The lined day gecko prefers to reside in humid subtropical climatic zones along northern and eastern parts of Madagascar.[2] The lined day gecko and its subspecies can be found in both mid- and low- elevated sites along the east coast of the island.[3]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Vences, M. (2011). "Phelsuma lineata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2011: e.T172826A6925369. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172826A6925369.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/172826/6925369. Retrieved 18 November 2021. 
  2. Boumans, Louis; Vieites, David R.; Glaw, Frank; Vences, Miguel (December 2007). "Geographical patterns of deep mitochondrial differentiation in widespread Malagasy reptiles". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 45 (3): 822–839. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2007.05.028. PMID 17920299. https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/4347291/63996_Geographical_patterns_of_deep_mitochondrial_differentiation_in_widespread_Malagasy_reptiles.pdf. 
  3. Gehring, Philip-Sebastian; Glaw, Frank; Gehara, Marcelo; Ratsoavina, Fanomezana; Vences, Miguel (June 2013). "Northern origin and diversification in the central lowlands? - Complex phylogeography and taxonomy of widespread day geckos (Phelsuma) from Madagascar". Organisms Diversity & Evolution 13 (4): 605–620. doi:10.1007/s13127-013-0143-5. 

Wikidata ☰ Q2711554 entry