Phelsuma parkeri

Phelsuma parkeri

Parker's day gecko, Pemba island day gecko

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Phelsuma parkeri

Phelsuma parkeri, commonly known as Parker's day gecko or the Pemba Island day gecko, is a diurnal species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Pemba Island, Tanzania, and typically inhabits banana trees and dwellings. The Pemba Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Animal name origin

Both the specific name, parkeri, and one of the common names, Parker's day gecko, are in honor of English herpetologist Hampton Wildman Parker.

Appearance

Parker's day gecko is a slender lizard and a mid-size day gecko. It can reach a total length (including tail) of about 16 cm (6.3 in). The body colour is bright green. A faint red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. On the back and limbs tiny black spots and speckles are present. This species has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.

Distribution

Geography

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Biogeographical realms

The Pemba Island day gecko is found only on 1,340-square-kilometre (517-square-mile) Pemba Island, which has a few much smaller islands around its coast, and which is 50 km (31 mi) from the Tanzanian mainland.

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Phelsuma parkeri is often found on different large trees such as banana trees and palms. This species also lives near or on human dwellings.

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Habits and Lifestyle

The Pemba Island day gecko is quite shy and stays so, even in captivity.

Lifestyle

Diet and Nutrition

Parker's day gecko feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. It also licks soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.

Mating Habits

The females of P. parkeri are colony nesters and many eggs can be found at one location. The neonates measure about 28 mm (1.1 in).

References

1. Phelsuma parkeri Wikipedia article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phelsuma_parkeri
2. Phelsuma parkeri on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/17450125/17450136

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