Phelsuma borbonica Mertens, 1966

Species Identification

This is a description of the middle-sized day gecko species Phelsuma borbonica Mertens, 1966.

Size

This lizard reaches a total length of approximately 16 cm.

Body Coloration

Its body colour varies based on the population it comes from, and can be bluish green or dark green.

Head Markings

The head is yellowish, finely mottled with brown.

Dorsal Pattern

Brownish or red-brick coloured dots on the back and tail form a network of reticulated bars.

Head and Neck Spots

Red spots on the head and neck are smaller and denser than the red spots found on the back.

Ventral Coloration

The ventral surface is yellowish with brown marbling.

Geographic Range

This species only inhabits the northern part of Réunion.

Recorded Localities

Confirmed localities where it has been found include: Les Hauts du Brûlé, Les Hauts Mensiol, Morne de Patates à Durand, the area near Bois de Nèfles, Belle-Vue, La Bretagne, Beaumont les Hauts, the area near St. Marie, and Les Hauts de la Perrière near St. Suzanne.