Phelsuma dubia
Phelsuma dubia, also known as the dull day gecko, is a diurnal gecko species reaching about 15 cm in length. It inhabits trees and areas near human dwellings along the west coast of Madagascar, the Comoros, and the coast of East Africa. Its diet consists of insects and nectar, and it is known to live in small groups.
Key Facts
- ›Reaches a maximum length of approximately 15 cm.
- ›Body color varies from grayish green, grayish brown, to bluish green, with a potentially bright blue tail.
- ›Found on the west coast of Madagascar, Comoros, Zanzibar, and coastal Tanzania.
- ›Inhabits trees, lowland vegetation, and human dwellings.
- ›Feeds on insects, invertebrates, soft fruits, pollen, and nectar.
- ›Females are egg gluers and may lay eggs in communal locations.
Dull Day Gecko, Olive Day Gecko, Zanzibar Day Gecko, Green Day Gecko
West Coast of Madagascar, Comoros, Zanzibar, Coastal Tanzania
Trees, Lowland Vegetation, Human Dwellings, Buildings
- Medium-Sized Day Gecko.
- Maximum Length of Approximately 15 cm .
- Body Color Varies Between Grayish Green, Grayish Brown, and Bluish Green.
- Tail May Be Bright Blue.
- Rust-Colored Stripe From Nostril To Eye.
- Red V-Shaped Stripe On the Snout.
- Brownish Or Red-Brick Colored Dots Often Present On the Back.
- Gray Lateral Stripe From Eye To Hind Leg.
- Ventral Side Is Off-White.
- Juveniles Have A Light Brown Dorsal Surface With Little Light Blue Spots and A Yellow Tail.
Various Insects, Other Invertebrates, Soft, Sweet Fruit, Pollen, Nectar
- Diurnal.
- Often Lives In Small Groups With One Male and Several Females.
- Females Are Egg Gluers.
- Capture For Trade May Cause Population Declines.
About Phelsuma dubia
Phelsuma dubia, commonly referred to as the dull day gecko, is a diurnal species of gecko distinguished by its size and varied coloration. It typically reaches an adult length of approximately 15 centimeters (5.9 inches). Its body color can range from grayish green to grayish brown or bluish green, with the tail sometimes exhibiting a bright blue hue. Distinctive markings often include a rust-colored stripe extending from the nostril to the eye and a red V-shaped stripe on the snout, while brownish or red-brick colored dots may appear on its back.
This adaptable species is found along the west coast of Madagascar, in the Comoros islands, Zanzibar, and some coastal regions of mainland Tanzania. Phelsuma dubia primarily inhabits trees and other lowland vegetation but also frequently lives near human dwellings, acting as a commensal. Its diet consists of a variety of insects and other invertebrates, supplemented by soft fruits, pollen, and nectar.
Behaviorally, Phelsuma dubia often forms small social groups, typically comprising one male and several females. Reproduction involves females that are egg gluers, meaning they adhere their eggs to surfaces, and they commonly lay eggs in shared locations. While currently common and widespread, the capture of these geckos for trade is regulated due to concerns that large-scale collection could threaten the species in the future.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Phelsuma dubia?
Phelsuma dubia is commonly known as the dull day gecko, olive day gecko, Zanzibar day gecko, or green day gecko.
Where is Phelsuma dubia found?
This species inhabits the west coast of Madagascar, the Comoros, Zanzibar, and some coastal areas of mainland Tanzania.
What does Phelsuma dubia eat?
The dull day gecko feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. They also consume soft, sweet fruit, pollen, and nectar.
What is the typical size of Phelsuma dubia?
Phelsuma dubia is a medium-sized day gecko, reaching a maximum length of approximately 15 cm (5.9 inches).
What are the distinctive physical features of Phelsuma dubia?
Its body color varies between grayish green, grayish brown, and bluish green. It may have a rust-colored stripe from nostril to eye, a red v-shaped stripe on the snout, and brownish or red-brick colored dots on its back. The tail can be bright blue.
How does Phelsuma dubia reproduce?
Females of this species are known as egg gluers. They often deposit their eggs in the same locations as other females.
What are the habitat preferences of Phelsuma dubia?
Phelsuma dubia is adaptable and can be found on various trees and lowland vegetation. They also readily inhabit buildings as a human commensal.
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