Scientific name:
- Phelsuma quadriocellata quadriocellata (PETERS 1883)
Scientific synonyms:
- Pachydactylus quadriocellatus PETERS 1883
- Phelsuma quadriocellata leiura MEIER 1983
Common name:
- Four spot day gecko
Common synonym:
- Peacock Day Gecko
General introduction:
- This diurnal gecko lives in eastern Madagascar. It typically inhabits different trees and houses. The Four spot day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Description:
- This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 12 cm. The body colour is dark green. The back is covered with small red dots and bars. On the neck, little blue speckles may be present. characteristic for this day gecko are the four turqoise outlined black spots in the armpit area behind the front legs and in front of the rear limbs. This species has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is beige.
Distribution:
- The Four spot day gecko inhabits the east coast of Madagascar. It is quite common in the region around Andasibe.
Habitat:
- Phelsuma quadriocellata quadriocellata lives in a moist and warm climate. It inhabits different trees, including banana trees. This Phelsuma species is often found near human dwellings.
Diet:
- These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Behaviour:
- These geckos are most active after the coldests months June-August.
Reproduction:
- The pairing season is between Oktober and the first weeks of Mai. During this period, the females lay two eggs with a 3-5 weeks interval. Up to 6 pairs of eggs are laid per year. At a constant temperature of 28°C, the juveniles hatch after 40-45 days. They measure about 30 mm.
Care and maintenance in captivity:
- These animals should be housed in pairs and need a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28°C (locally around 30°C) during the day and drop to around 20°C at night. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 80% during the day. It is also important to include two colder months with a daytime temperature of 24°C and 16°C at night. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.
References:
- Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren. Ulmer Stuttgart. ISBN 3800173239
- McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.
