Parker's day gecko facts for kids

Phelsuma parkeri, commonly known as Parker's day gecko or the Pemba Island day gecko, is a diurnal species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Pemba Island, Tanzania, and typically inhabits banana trees and dwellings. The Pemba Island day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

Etymology

Both the specific name, parkeri, and one of the common names, Parker's day gecko, are in honor of English herpetologist Hampton Wildman Parker.

Description

Parker's day gecko is a slender lizard and a mid-size day gecko. It can reach a total length (including tail) of about 16 cm (6.3 in). The body colour is bright green. A faint red stripe extends from the nostril to the eye. On the back and limbs tiny black spots and speckles are present. This species has yellow eye rings. The ventral side is white.

Distribution

The Pemba Island day gecko is found only on 1,340-square-kilometre (517-square-mile) Pemba Island, which has a few much smaller islands around its coast, and which is 50 km (31 mi) from the Tanzanian mainland.

Habitat

Phelsuma parkeri is often found on different large trees such as banana trees and palms. This species also lives near or on human dwellings.

Diet

Parker's day gecko feeds on various insects and other invertebrates. It also licks soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.

Behaviour

The Pemba Island day gecko is quite shy and stays so, even in captivity.

Reproduction

The females of P. parkeri are colony nesters and many eggs can be found at one location. The neonates measure about 28 mm (1.1 in).

Care and maintenance in captivity

Parker's day geckos should be housed in pairs. They need a large, well planted terrarium. The temperature should be about 28 °C (82 °F) during the day. The humidity should be maintained around 65–75% during the day and slightly higher at night. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, fruit flies, mealworms, and houseflies.