Phelsuma vanheygeni
Phelsuma vanheygeni is a species of gecko endemic to Madagascar, specifically found on the Ampasindava peninsula. This lizard is characterized by its vivid green dorsal coloration, small red dots on its lower back and upper tail, and a distinctive yellowish stripe along its sides. It inhabits patches of bamboo in forest areas.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Ampasindava peninsula in northern Madagascar.
- ›Inhabits medium-sized bamboo patches within forests.
- ›Dorsal coloration is VIVID green with small, irregular red dots.
- ›Possesses a prominent yellowish stripe along its flanks.
- ›Oviparous, gluing its eggs to the inside of bamboo stems.
- ›Named in honor of Belgian herpetologist Emmanuel Van Heygen.
Madagascar
Forest, Bamboo Patches
- Snout-To-Vent Length: 31–35 mm
- Total Length: 75–80 mm
- Somewhat Slender and Rather Flattened Body Shape.
- Dorsal Coloration Is Vivid Green On Head, Neck, Limbs, and Tail.
- Small Red Dots Irregularly Positioned On the Lower Back and Upper Tail; Males Usually Have Slightly Larger Dots.
- Yellowish Stripe Begins At the Rostral Scale, Runs Over Supralabial Scales, Under the Ear Opening, and Widens At the Axilla.
- Ventral Coloration Is Dirty White.
- Subcaudal Scales Have Brown To Black Pigmentation At Their Tips.
- Ventral and Subcaudal Scales Are Smooth .
About Phelsuma vanheygeni
Phelsuma vanheygeni is a species of gecko belonging to the family Gekkonidae. This lizard is endemic to Madagascar, specifically inhabiting the Ampasindava peninsula in the northern part of the island. The species is named in honor of the Belgian herpetologist Emmanuel Van Heygen, who collected the original specimen.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural habitat of Phelsuma vanheygeni consists of patches of bamboo found within forest environments. It is typically observed at altitudes ranging from 50 to 400 meters (160 to 1,310 ft). Observations suggest that this gecko is confined to medium-sized bamboo, with a diameter of about 5 cm (2 in).
Physical Characteristics
Adult Phelsuma vanheygeni geckos measure between 31–35 mm (1.2–1.4 in) in snout-to-vent length, with a total length of 75–80 mm (3.0–3.1 in). They possess a somewhat slender and flattened body. The dorsal coloration, including the head, neck, limbs, and tail, is a vivid green. Irregularly positioned small red dots are present on the lower back and upper tail, with males generally exhibiting slightly larger dots. A distinguishing feature is a yellowish stripe that originates at the rostral scale, extends backward over the supralabial scales, passes under the ear opening, and widens at the axilla. The ventral coloration is described as dirty white, and the subcaudal scales have tips pigmented in brown to black. Both the ventral and subcaudal scales are smooth and not keeled.
Reproduction
Phelsuma vanheygeni is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. A unique aspect of its reproductive behavior is that it glues its eggs to the inside of bamboo stems.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Phelsuma vanheygeni found?
Phelsuma vanheygeni is found exclusively on the Ampasindava peninsula in northern Madagascar. Its habitat appears to be restricted to specific patches of bamboo within forest environments.
What does Phelsuma vanheygeni look like?
This gecko has vivid green coloration on its back, head, neck, limbs, and tail. It features small, irregular red dots, which are typically larger in males. A defining characteristic is a yellowish stripe that runs from its snout along its sides.
What is the habitat of Phelsuma vanheygeni?
Phelsuma vanheygeni resides in patches of bamboo, specifically those of medium size (approximately 5 cm in diameter), located within forest areas. It is found at altitudes ranging from 50 to 400 meters.
How does Phelsuma vanheygeni reproduce?
Phelsuma vanheygeni is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. These eggs are characteristically glued by the geckos to the interior surfaces of bamboo stems.
What is the significance of the name Phelsuma vanheygeni?
The specific name, vanheygeni, was given in honor of Emmanuel Van Heygen, a Belgian herpetologist who was responsible for collecting the holotype specimen of this species.
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