Lined Day Gecko (Phelsuma lineata)

As its name suggests, the lined day gecko is primarily active during the daylight hours, although it sometimes can be active during the night in areas lit up with the lamps of nearby houses (2). In captivity, a female lined day gecko produced up to six clutches each year, each containing two eggs. At a temperature of 28 degrees Celsius, the eggs hatched after 40 to 45 days, while at a slightly cooler temperature (25 degrees Celsius) the eggs took 60 days to hatch. The hatchlings measure just 40 to 43 millimetres but their colouration is similar to adults. Lined day geckos reach sexual maturity after seven to nine months (2). The tail of day geckos has multiple functions. It can be used as an extra 'hand' when walking along narrow twigs, it can store fat, and may also be detached when attacked by a predator (3) (4).

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