Phelsuma dubia
Description
Phelsuma dubia is a medium sized day gecko, males reach an overall length of 154 mm; females remain somewhat smaller with 144 mm. These altogether flat, however strongly built animals, possess a variable colouring, which can go from light grey over grey green up to leafy green. The tail can in some males appear bluish. On the back appear usually small spots, only consisting of a few scales, which are black to reddish-brown. The ventral side is bright, partially dirty white coloured. A distinguishing feature is the orange eye ring. There is no substantial difference between the sexes in the colouring. The anal region of the males is yellowish and counts 22 to 29 femoral spores.
Distribution
Phelsuma dubia has the largest distribution area within the genus. In Madagascar the species occurs along the western coast, more concentrated in the north west. Phelsuma dubia is also found on all four Comoro Islands, the south Kenyan coast near Mombassa, along the Tanzanian coast and its offshore islands; Pemba and Zanzibar.
Terra Typica
Mahajanga, North West Madagascar
Localities
Grand Comoro (Comoro Islands): Moroni, Belvedere, Foumbouni, Itsoundzou, Konbani, Mouadzazi, Mvouni
Anjouan (Comoro Island): ?
Moheli (Comoro Islands): Fomboni, Mbatsé, Mbouerani
Mayotte (Comoro Islands): Chirongui, Mbouéanatsa, Ngouja
Nosy Be (Madagascar): Ambataloaka
Madagascar: Ambaliha, Ambalabongo, Ambanja, Ampopo, Antsalova, Antsiranana, Djangoa, Kandani, Kongony, Mahajanga, Mananjary, Soalala
Zanzibar (Tanzania): Kiwenga
Kenya: Mombassa
Biotope
This species is extremely flexible and can inhabit a variety of different habitats. Phelsuma dubia is equally occurs on palms, banana plants, trees and buildings.
Synonyms
Pachydactylus dubius BOETTGER - 1881
Phelsuma madagascariense BOULENGER - 1885
Phelsuma dubium BOULENGER - 1885
Phelsuma dubium TORNIER - 1902
Phelsuma dubia dubia LOVERIDGE - 1942
Phelsuma dubia MERTENS -1966
