Pasteur's day gecko
# Pasteur's day gecko

Pasteur's day gecko (Phelsuma v-nigra pasteuri Meier, 1984; synonym, Phelsuma pasteuri ) is a small diurnal subspecies of gecko. It lives in the Comoros and typically inhabits trees and bushes. Pasteur's day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.

## Etymology

This subspecies (or species) is named pasteuri in honor of French herpetologist Georges Pasteur.

## Description

This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum length of approximately 11 cm (4.3 in). The body colour is bright green. The tail may be bright blue. There is a red v-shaped stripe on the snout and a red bar between the eyes. On the back there often are a number of small red-brick coloured dots. Typical is the turquoise blue patch in the neck region, which may be segmented by a small red dorsal stripe. A yellow ring around the eye is present. This subspecies doesn't have the typical v-shaped marking on the throat The ventral side is yellowish.

## Distribution

This subspecies only inhabits the island Mayotte in the Comoros.

## Habitat

Phelsuma v-nigra pasteuri is found on bushes and trees along streams.

## Diet

These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.

## Care and maintenance in captivity

These animals should be housed in pairs and need a medium-sized, well planted terrarium. The daytime temperature should be between 28 and 30 °C (82 and 86 °F), and 24 and 26 °C (75 and 79 °F) at night. The humidity should be not too high. A two-month winter cooldown should be included during which temperatures should be 25 °C (77 °F) during daytime and 20 °C (68 °F) at night. In captivity, these animals can be fed with crickets, wax moth larvae, fruit flies, mealworms and houseflies.

