Reunion Island day gecko (Phelsuma borbonica borbonica MERTENS 1966) is a subspecies of geckos.

Scientific synonyms:

• Phelsuma cepediana borbonica MERTENS 1942: 97 (1966 fide KLUGE 1993)
• Phelsuma borbonica borbonica CHEKE 1982
• Phelsuma borbonica - KLUGE 1993
• Phelsuma borbonica - RÖSLER 2000: 101

General introduction:

This diurnal gecko lives in northern Réunion. It typically dwells on banana trees. The Reunion Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description:

This lizard belongs to the middle-sized day geckos. It can reach a total length of about 16 cm. The colour can vary, depending on which population they belong to. The body colour is bluish green or dark green. The head has a yelowish colour, finely mottled with brown. On the back and tail there are brownish or red-brick coloured dots which form a network of reticulated bars. The read spots on the head and neck are smaller and more dense than those on the back. The ventral surface is yelowish with brown marbling.

Distribution:

This species only inhabits northern part of Réunion. It was found at; Les Hauts du Brûlé, Les Hauts Mensiol, Morne de Patates à Durand, near Bois de Nèfles, Belle-Vue, La Bretagne, Beaumont les Hauts, near St.Marie and Les Hauts de la Perrière near St. Suzanne.

Diet:

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.

Care and maintenance in captivity:

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, 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 moths, 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 3-8001-7323-9
McKeown, Sean (1993) The general care and maintenance of day geckos. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.