Phelsuma andamanense
The Andaman day gecko (Phelsuma andamanensis) is a small, slender lizard endemic to the Andaman Islands of India, with a recent introduction to the Nicobar Islands. It is characterized by its bright green coloration, often adorned with red dots and stripes, and its generalist habitat preference, thriving in domestic gardens and on various plants. This species is known for its shy yet aggressive behavior towards its own kind.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Andaman Islands of India and recently introduced to the Nicobar Islands.
- ›Possesses a bright green body with red dots and stripes on the back, and a yellow or off-white underside.
- ›Males have a distinctive bluish or turquoise tail.
- ›Inhabits lowlands, often found on coconut palms, screw pines, banana trees, and sisal plants in domestic gardens.
- ›Known for being shy but highly aggressive towards other members of its species.
- ›Typically lays two eggs per clutch in a protected, elevated location.
Andaman Islands Day Gecko
Andaman Islands, India, Nicobar Islands, India
- Small, Slender Lizard.
- Bright Green Body.
- Red Dots and Stripes On the Back.
- Males Have A Bluish Or Turquoise Tail.
- Reddish-Brown Stripe On Each Side of the Snout From Nostrils To Ear.
- Undersurface of the Body Is Bright Yellow Or Off-White.
Insects
- Shy
- Extremely Aggressive Toward Other Members of Its Species
About Phelsuma andamanense
Phelsuma andamanensis: The Andaman Day Gecko
The Andaman day gecko, scientifically known as Phelsuma andamanensis, is a distinctive species of gecko native to the Andaman Islands of India. This small, slender lizard is easily recognizable by its vibrant bright green coloration, often enhanced with red dots and stripes along its back. A notable characteristic is the bluish or turquoise tail found on males. Its range has recently extended to include the Nicobar Islands, likely due to human introduction.
Habitat and Distribution
Phelsuma andamanensis is primarily found in lowland areas within the Andaman Islands. It exhibits a generalist lifestyle, frequently inhabiting domestic gardens and thriving on various plants such as coconut palms, screw pines, and banana trees. It has also been observed living on local huts, demonstrating an adaptability to environments influenced by human activity. This adaptability has contributed to a significant population expansion, making it a rare example of an island-endemic reptile benefiting from anthropogenic changes.
Behavior and Reproduction
Despite its generalist nature, the Andaman day gecko is characterized by its shy disposition. However, this shyness is contrasted by a notable trait: extreme aggression towards other members of its own species. Reproduction typically involves the female laying two eggs in a secure, elevated location. The species is known for its fertility, with documented instances of multiple clutches being laid over relatively short periods.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Andaman day gecko?
The scientific name for the Andaman day gecko is Phelsuma andamanensis. It is also sometimes referred to as the Andaman Islands day gecko.
Where are Andaman day geckos found?
Andaman day geckos are naturally found throughout the Andaman Islands of India. They have also been recently sighted on the Nicobar Islands, likely due to human introduction.
What do Andaman day geckos eat?
The Andaman day gecko primarily feeds on insects. As a generalist species, they are well-adapted to finding food sources within their varied habitats.
What are the physical characteristics of the Andaman day gecko?
This species is a small, slender lizard with a bright green body, often marked with red dots and stripes on its back. Males are distinguishable by their bluish or turquoise tails, and both sexes have a reddish-brown stripe extending from the nostrils to the ear. Their undersides are typically bright yellow or off-white.
What is the typical habitat of the Andaman day gecko?
Andaman day geckos inhabit lowlands and are commonly found in domestic gardens. They frequent coconut palms, screw pines, banana trees, and sisal plants, and may also be found on local huts.
How do Andaman day geckos behave towards each other?
These geckos are described as shy but are extremely aggressive toward other members of their own species. This aggressive behavior is a notable trait of the Andaman day gecko.
How do Andaman day geckos reproduce?
Andaman day geckos typically lay two eggs at a time. These eggs are usually deposited in a protected and elevated location. Females have been noted for their remarkable fertility, with one observation documenting 14 pairs of eggs laid over 18 months.
Related Lizards
Andaman day gecko
The Andaman day gecko is a small, slender lizard endemic to the Andaman Islands of India, recently introduced to the Nicobar Islands. It is characterized by its bright green coloration, red dots and stripes on its back, and a reddish-brown stripe from its nostrils to its ears. This generalist species thrives in domestic gardens and on various plants, demonstrating a rare benefit from human-induced environmental changes.
Phelsuma serraticauda
The flat-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma serraticauda) is a diurnal lizard native to the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. This species is characterized by its dark green or yellowish-green coloration and a distinctive broad, flattened tail with serrated edges. It faces endangerment primarily due to illegal collection for the international pet trade.
Furcifer labordi
Labord's chameleon (Furcifer labordi) is a chameleon species endemic to the dry and deciduous forests of western Madagascar. This species is notable for its exceptionally short, often one-year life cycle, with adults typically dying after breeding, making it one of the shortest-lived tetrapod vertebrates.