Biology:Phelsuma quadriocellata

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Short description: Species of lizard

Phelsuma quadriocellata
Peacock day gecko (Phelsuma quadriocellata quadriocellata) Ranomafana.jpg
P. q. quadriocellata
Ranomafana National Park
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Phelsuma
Species:
P. quadriocellata
Binomial name
Phelsuma quadriocellata
Peters, 1883
Phelsuma quadriocellata distribution.png

Phelsuma quadriocellata is a species of gecko known by the common name peacock day gecko. It is endemic to coastal eastern Madagascar , where it is a common to abundant, widespread reptile.[1][2][3][4] This gecko lives in many types of low- to mid-elevation habitat types in Madagascar, including forests and areas with human activity such as cultivated land and human habitation. It is sometimes associated with Pandanus species.[1]

This is likely a species complex. It is currently divided into three subspecies, P. q. quadriocellata, P. q. lepida, and P. q. bimaculata.[1][2] A fourth subspecies was recently elevated to species status and is now named Phelsuma parva.[1][5]

Description

P. quadriocellata measures 4.7-4.8″ (12 cm) long, including the tail. Like other arboreal geckos, they have lidless eyes and sticky toe pads. Base color is bright green, with small red markings and a pale underside. The tail may be blue. An identifying characteristic is the large dark spots on each side. Some localities have two such spots, while others have four.

Captivity

This gecko species is occasionally kept as a pet; collection does not constitute a threat to this species.[1]

References

Wikidata ☰ Q1970700 entry