Phelsuma lineata
{{Short description|Species of lizard}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Phelsuma lineata lineata 62028059.png
| image_caption = Phelsuma lineata lineata
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus = Phelsuma
| species = lineata
| authority = Gray, 1842
}}
Phelsuma lineata, the lined day gecko, is a species of diurnal gecko native to Madagascar. It has also been introduced to Réunion.
This species as described appears to be a conglomeration of many distinct forms; three of these are currently recognized subspecies (ssp. lineata, ssp. bombetokensis, and ssp. punctulata), but others could be separate taxa that should be elevated to species status as was Phelsuma dorsivittata. Phelsuma lineata is not threatened, but some unknown subspecies might be.
Description
The lined day gecko commonly measures between 4-6″ (10-15 cm) in length. Males are more colorful than females, having a medium-green base color, red splotches on the lower back and head, and a brown to black lateral band on each side. The tail may be blue. The underside is pale.
File:Phelsuma lineata 184622407.jpg
File:Phelsuma Antanosy Andasibe Madagascar.jpg
Distribution and Habitat
The lined day gecko prefers to reside in humid subtropical climatic zones along northern and eastern parts of Madagascar.{{cite journal |last1=Boumans |first1=Louis |last2=Vieites |first2=David R. |last3=Glaw |first3=Frank |last4=Vences |first4=Miguel |title=Geographical patterns of deep mitochondrial differentiation in widespread Malagasy reptiles |journal=Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution |date=December 2007 |volume=45 |issue=3 |pages=822–839|doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2007.05.028 |pmid=17920299 |url=https://pure.uva.nl/ws/files/4347291/63996_Geographical_patterns_of_deep_mitochondrial_differentiation_in_widespread_Malagasy_reptiles.pdf }} The lined day gecko and its subspecies can be found in both mid- and low- elevated sites along the east coast of the island.{{cite journal |last1=Gehring |first1=Philip-Sebastian |last2=Glaw |first2=Frank |last3=Gehara |first3=Marcelo |last4=Ratsoavina |first4=Fanomezana |last5=Vences |first5=Miguel |title=Northern origin and diversification in the central lowlands? - Complex phylogeography and taxonomy of widespread day geckos (Phelsuma) from Madagascar |journal=Organisms Diversity & Evolution |date=June 2013 |volume=13 |issue=4 |pages=605–620|doi=10.1007/s13127-013-0143-5 |s2cid=18128649 }}
References
{{Wikispecies}}
{{Commons category|Phelsuma lineata}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2711554}}
Category:Endemic fauna of Madagascar
Category:Reptiles of Madagascar
Category:Taxa named by John Edward Gray
Category:Reptiles described in 1842
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