Standing's day gecko (Phelsuma standingi METHUEN & HEWITT 1913) is diurnal species of geckos. It lives in southwest Madagascar and typically inhabits trees. Standing's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Description

This lizard belongs to the largest living day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of about 28 cm. The body colour can be quite variable, depending on light intensity. It can be brownish grey or bright green or turqoise with grey reticulated markings on body and head. The head and tail are often turqoise. Hatchlings have a yellowish green head and typical light bands and bars on the back.

Distribution

This species is restricted to southwest Madagascar, including the region around Andranolaho and Sakaraha.

Habitat

Phelsuma standingi is found in the dry soutwest part of Madagascar which has a unique thorn forest vegetation. The daytime temperature never drops under 20°C and between January and December, the temperature can be as high as 40°C in the shade. In July and August, the night temperature can drop to 13°C.

Diet

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

Behaviour

This species lives in pairs on trees.

Reproduction

At a temperature of 28°C, the young will hatch after approximately 60–70 days. The juveniles measure 80 mm and reach sexual maturity after one year.

Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a large, planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be around 30°C. A spot lamp should provide the animals with a basking spot and a local temperature of 35°C. At night, the temperature should be dropped to 22°C. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, 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.