Phelsuma hielscheri

Phelsuma hielscheri is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Madagascar.^[2]

Phelsuma hielscheri
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Gekkota
Family:	Gekkonidae
Genus:	Phelsuma
Species:	P. hielscheri
Binomial name
Phelsuma hielscheri Rösler, Obst & Seipp, 2001

Etymology

The specific name, hielscheri, is in honor of German biochemist Michael Hielscher who was one of the discoverers of this species.^[3]

Geographic range

Phelsuma hielscheri is found in central and western Madagascar, at elevations from sea level to 900 m (3,000 ft).^[1]

Description

Males of P. hielscheri are larger than females. The maximum recorded total length (including tail) for a male is 17 cm (6.7 in), whereas for a female it is only 15 centimetres (5.9 in).^[2]

Habitat

Phelsuma hielscheri is found on screw palms (Pandanus) in both wild and urban settings.^[1]

Reproduction

Phelsuma hielscheri is oviparous.^[2]