Scientific name:
- Phelsuma seippi MEIER 1987
Common name:
- Seipp's day gecko
General introduction:
- This diurnal gecko lives in north Madagascar. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. Seipp's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
Description:
- This lizard belongs to the medium-sized day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 14 cm. The body colour of this slender and long-snoutet gecko is green or yellowish green. There are several small red or rust-coloured spots on the back which may form dorsal striping. A rust coloured eye stripe extends from the nostril to above the ear opening. A red v-shaped marking may be present on the head. Typical for this species are several v-shaped stripes on the throat. The ventral side is light pink.
Distribution:
- This species inhabits northwest Madagascar. It can also be found on the island Nosy Bé.
Habitat:
- Phelsuma seippi is restricted to the native rainforests and avoids bright sun light. It live on trees both in the forest and along its edges.
Diet:
- These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.
Behaviour:
- This Phelsuma species is often found in pairs on a tree. Juveniles mainly inhabit surrounding low shrubs.
Reproduction:
- The females lay a pair of eggs and hide them on the ground under foliage or wood or they may lay their eggs on trees under loose bark. At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 45-50 days. The juveniles measure 40 mm.
Care and maintenance in captivity:
- These animals should be housed in pairs in a well planted terrarium. The temperature should be between 25 and 28°C. The humidity should be maintained between 75 and 100%. 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.