Mauritius Upland Forest Day Gecko

Scientific Name: Phelsuma guimbeaui rosagularis

Natural History:

Mauritius, upland forest, very little of which remains intact. Basks high on tree trunks, morning and late afternoon. Very dependent on suitable habitat. Populations are disjunct. Large, endemic (native to Mauritius) forest trees. Does not typically utilize traveler's palms, bananas, or other secondary vegetation within or bordering patches of native forest.

Biology:

Essentially the same length as Phelsuma g. gumbeaui. The entire lizard is charcoal-colored when it first emerges from cavities in the tree, or from under tree bark, to bask in the early morning sun. The colors rapidly change to brilliant green with rust-colored spots, bars, and stripes, the arrangement of which is generally similar to P. g. guimbeaui. to rear portion of the tail may be blue. chin is rust-colored, and typically without barring. Background color of the ventral surface is light grey. Charcoal-colored barring and spotting is often present on the ventral surface and in appearance resembles the surface of the tree bark on which the lizard lives. In some specimens, the dark ventral markings are reduced. At this high elevation, nights can be quite cool. Cavities in both tree trunks and large branches are important retreat sites. This is true not only at night, but also during cool or rainy weather, as well as during portions of the cyclone season.

Care:

Breeds best if housed in large, vertically oriented enclosures with live plants. Each enclosure may contain a single male and several females, all of similar size. Prefers daytime temperatures in the mid to high 80's F, and nighttime temperatures in the height 60s - 70s F. Requires considerable experience with delicate Phelsuma species to successfully manage and breed.

Breeding:

The eggs frequently need to be incubated in place. Neonates are grey or charcoal with light and dark dotting. Hatchlings vary in total length from 1.1-1.5 inches. they are extremely shy and require a number of hiding places in their rearing enclosure. During the first week, hatchlings often refuse insects, but will lick sliced papaya or a baby food/nectar mixture. This supplementation is critical for their survival. the enclosure must also be heavily misted several times a day, as the small body size of these neonates allows for rapid desiccation. Up to four hatchlings of similar size may be reared together in a 6-10 gallon enclosure. Neonates do best if given mid-size branches with rough bark and live plants in their enclosures. Standard reptile tanks with sliding tops are not suitable as the neonates are capable of fitting into the top groove and may be crushed when the top is opened. Instead, house in a plastic terrarium with the opening at the center of the top directly under full-spectrum lighting. Proper care during the first several weeks is critical for their survival.