Phelsuma quadriocellata
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Phelsuma quadriocellata is a species of gecko known by the common name "Peacock Day Gecko". It is endemic to the coastal regions of eastern Madagascar, where it is an abundant and widespread reptile.[1][2][3][4] This gecko lives in many types of low and mid elevation habitats in Madagascar, including forests. The Peacock Day Gecko has also been known to live in areas with human activity and habitation, including regions being used for land cultivation. It is sometimes associated with Pandanus species.[1]
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| Phelsuma quadriocellata | |
|---|---|
| |
| P. q. quadriocellata Ranomafana National Park | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Gekkota |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Phelsuma |
| Species: | P. quadriocellata |
| Binomial name | |
| Phelsuma quadriocellata Peters, 1883 | |
 | |
Description
P. quadriocellata measures 4.7-4.8″ (12 cm) long,[5] including the tail. Like other arboreal geckos, the Peacock Day Gecko has lidless eyes and sticky toe pads[citation needed]. This gecko is bright green, with small red markings and a pale underside. The tail may also be blue in certain individuals[citation needed]. An identifying characteristic of this species is the large dark spots on either side of the abdomen. Some localities of this species also have two such spots[citation needed], while some others can also have four[citation needed].
Species Status and Current Subspecies
Phelsuma quadriocellata is currently understood to be a species complex. At present, it is divided into three subspecies:[1][2]
- P. q. quadriocellata
- P. q. lepida
- P. q. bimaculata
A fourth subspecies was recently elevated to species status and is now named Phelsuma parva.[1][6]
Captivity
This gecko species is occasionally kept as a pet. Collection, at present, does not constitute a threat to the species.[1]
