Phelsuma cepediana
The blue-tailed day gecko (Phelsuma cepediana), also known as Lacépède's gecko, is a diurnal lizard endemic to Mauritius. This mid-sized gecko is known for its striking coloration, with males displaying vibrant blue tails and red spots, while females are a bright green. It inhabits warm, humid environments on trees and bushes, playing a crucial role as the sole pollinator and seed disperser for the endemic shrub Roussea simplex.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the island of Mauritius.
- ›Males are more vividly colored than females, with bright blue tails and red spots.
- ›Sole pollinator and seed disperser for the endemic shrub Roussea simplex.
- ›Feeds on insects, invertebrates, fruit, pollen, and nectar.
- ›Can change color and pattern ontogenetically, with juveniles having conspicuous tail colors.
- ›Can live up to 15 years in captivity with good care.
LacéPèDe's Gecko, Blue-Tailed Day Gecko
Mauritius, Madagascar
Tropical Forest, Suburban Gardens, Trees, Bushes, Warm and Humid Places
- Mid-Sized Day Gecko.
- Total Length of 9.5–14 cm .
- Males: Light Green Or Bluish Green Body, Bright Blue Back With Dark Red Spots and Dashes, Deep Blue Tail, Blue Coloration May Also Be On the Face.
- Females: Bright Green Back With Rust-Colored Spots, Lack Brilliant Blue Coloration of Males.
- Always A Present Dorso-Lateral Stripe, Which May Be Broken.
- A Red Stripe Extends From the Nostril To the Shoulder.
- Conspicuous Tail Colors Appear Only In Juveniles and Can Fade By Adulthood.
Insects, Other Invertebrates, Soft, Sweet Fruit, Pollen, Nectar
- Diurnal, But Can Change Foraging Behavior To Nocturnal When Artificial Light Is Available.
- Nocturnal Activity Includes Agonistic, Aggressive Behaviors, Courtship, and Foraging.
- Can Be Aggressive Towards Its Own and Other Phelsuma Species.
- Males May Seriously Wound Females In Captivity.
- Juveniles Have Conspicuous Tail Colors Which May Be A Deflection Display Against Predators.
- Hides Amongst Dense Patches of Pandanus Plants For Protection.
Mauritius Kestrel, Other Endemic Birds
- Predation By Mauritius Kestrel
- Introduced Ants Hindering Pollination and Seed Dispersal
About Phelsuma cepediana
Phelsuma cepediana: The Blue-Tailed Day Gecko
The blue-tailed day gecko, scientifically known as Phelsuma cepediana and sometimes referred to as Lacépède's gecko, is a distinctive lizard species native to the island of Mauritius. This diurnal gecko is characterized by its vibrant coloration, particularly in males, which exhibit a bright blue tail and red spots against a green body, while females are a more uniform bright green. They are mid-sized geckos, reaching a total length of up to 14 cm.
Habitat and Ecological Role
Phelsuma cepediana thrives in warm, humid environments, typically found on various trees and bushes, including those that produce fruits like coconut palms, banana trees, and papayas. They can also be found in suburban gardens if they are well-watered and planted, provided they are near fruit- or flower-producing trees. This species plays a vital ecological role as the sole pollinator and seed disperser for the endemic climbing shrub Roussea simplex. They feed on insects, invertebrates, and also lick sweet fruits, pollen, and nectar.
Behavior and Reproduction
Blue-tailed day geckos are primarily active during the day but can adapt to nocturnal foraging if artificial light sources are available. They can be quite aggressive, even towards their own species, and in captivity, males may harm females, necessitating separation. Juveniles possess conspicuous tail colors that may serve as a defense mechanism, deflecting predator attacks to the tail. Females lay clutches of two eggs every 3–4 weeks, gluing them in protected locations. The eggs typically hatch in 40–45 days when incubated at 28°C. In captivity, with proper care, these geckos can live for up to 15 years.
Conservation Concerns
While not currently assigned an IUCN conservation status, threats to Phelsuma cepediana include predation by native birds like the critically endangered Mauritius kestrel, which feeds extensively on these geckos. The introduction of ants such as Technomyrmex albipes also poses a threat by interfering with the pollination and fruiting of Roussea simplex, impacting the gecko's food source and ecological function.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the blue-tailed day gecko?
The scientific name of the blue-tailed day gecko is Phelsuma cepediana. It was named in honor of the French naturalist Bernard Germain de Lacépède.
Where does the blue-tailed day gecko live?
The blue-tailed day gecko is endemic to the island of Mauritius. It has also been reported a few times in Madagascar, though these observations have not been confirmed.
What does the blue-tailed day gecko eat?
Its diet consists of various insects and other invertebrates. It also consumes soft, sweet fruit, pollen, and nectar from plants like Roussea simplex.
How big does the blue-tailed day gecko get?
Phelsuma cepediana is a mid-sized gecko that can reach a total length of 9.5 to 14 cm (3.75 to 5.5 inches), including its tail. Females are typically smaller than males.
What are the main threats to the blue-tailed day gecko?
Major threats include predation by the Mauritius kestrel and other endemic birds. Introduced ants can also hinder its reproduction by sealing the flowers of Roussea simplex.
Can the blue-tailed day gecko change color?
Yes, the blue-tailed day gecko can change colors and patterns ontogenetically. Coloration can also differ depending on its activity.
How does the blue-tailed day gecko reproduce?
Adult females lay eggs every 3–4 weeks, typically two eggs per clutch. The eggs are glued in a safe location and take about 40-45 days to hatch at 28°C.
Is the blue-tailed day gecko aggressive?
Phelsuma cepediana can be quite aggressive towards its own species and other Phelsuma species. In captivity, males may injure females, necessitating separation.
Related Lizards
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Madagascan giant day gecko
The Madagascan giant day gecko (Phelsuma grandis) is a large, diurnal lizard native to the tropical and subtropical forests of northern Madagascar. Characterized by its bright green coloration, often adorned with red markings, and a distinctive red stripe from nostril to eye, this species is known for its arboreal lifestyle and territorial nature. It is also recognized for its ability to change color when stressed and its unique method of cleaning its eyes.
Phelsuma grandis
Phelsuma grandis, commonly known as the Madagascar giant day gecko, is a diurnal and arboreal species of gecko native to the tropical and subtropical forests of northern Madagascar. These large geckos are characterized by their bright green coloration, often adorned with red dots or bars, and a distinctive red stripe from nostril to eye. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on insects, small vertebrates, nectar, and fruit, and are popular as exotic pets.