Phelsuma laticauda (Boettger, 1880)

Size (Adult)

This lizard reaches a total length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 inches).

Body Base Coloration

Its body is most often bright green or yellowish green, and rarely blue.

Dorsal Red Markings (Neck and Upper Back)

This day gecko is characterized by red speckles on its neck and upper back.

Head Markings

It has three rust-colored transverse bars across the snout and head, and the upper portion of the skin surrounding its eye is blue.

Lower Back Markings

Three tapering red bars are present on its lower back.

Tail and Underside Characteristics

Its tail is slightly flattened, and its underside is off-white.

Juvenile Coloration

Juvenile Phelsuma laticauda do not have the characteristic red colorations of adults, and their tails and limbs are off-white.

Reproductive Clutch Size

Females lay clutches of 1 to 2 eggs.

Egg Incubation Parameters

When incubated at a temperature of 28 °C, the young geckos hatch after approximately 40 to 45 days.

Hatchling Size

Newly hatched juveniles measure 55–60 mm.

Juvenile Housing Note

Juveniles should be housed separately, as they tend to be quarrelsome with one another.

Sexual Maturity Timeline

They reach sexual maturity 10–12 months after hatching.