{{Short description|Species of lizard}} {{speciesbox | name = Flat-tailed day gecko | image = Phelsuma serraticauda male.jpg | status = EN | status_system = IUCN3.1 | status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{Cite journal | author = Glaw, F. | author2 = Rabibisoa, N. | author3 = Randrianantoandro, J.C. | author4 = Ratsoavina, F. | author5 = Raxworthy, C.J. | name-list-style=amp | title = ''Phelsuma serraticauda'' | journal = The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species | volume = 2011 | page = e.T172948A6946588 | publisher = IUCN | date = 2011 | url = http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/172948/0 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172948A6946588.en | access-date = 14 January 2018| doi-access = free }}</ref> | genus = Phelsuma | species = serraticauda | authority = Mertens, 1963 | range_map = Phelsuma serraticauda distribution.png }}{{More citations needed|date=October 2024}} The '''flat-tailed day gecko''' ('''''Phelsuma serraticauda''''') is a diurnal gecko lives in eastern Madagascar. It is endangered due to illegal collection for the international pet trade. It typically inhabits rainforests and dwells on trees. The flat-tailed day gecko feeds on insects and nectar.
==Description== This lizard can reach an average total length of about 13 cm whereas females are slightly smaller. Some males may even reach a length of 15 cm. The body colour is dark green or yellowish green. Remarkable is the broad, flattened tail with serrated edges. On the lower back three red tear-shaped markings dots are present. On the neck, which may be bluish, two longitudinal yellow stripes are present. On the snout and head, there are three transversal red bars.
==Distribution== This species occurs on the east coast of Madagascar. It is only known from the region 12 km north of Toamasina.
==Habitat== thumb|220px|right|Phelsuma serraticauda on a leaf. ''Phelsuma serraticauda'' is largely restricted to coconut palms yet can also be found on banana trees.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
==Diet== These day geckos feed on various insects and other invertebrates. They also like to lick soft, sweet fruit, pollen and nectar.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}}
==Behaviour== This species lives in groups with one male and up to five females.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} Amongst the females, there is a well-developed dominance hierarchy. Juveniles are tolerated up to a certain size.
==Reproduction== The females lay up to 4 pairs of eggs per year. At a temperature of 28 °C, the young will hatch after approximately 53–58 days.{{Citation needed|date=October 2024}} The juveniles are typically 40 mm in length.
==Captivity== The flat-tailed day gecko is endangered due to illegal collection for the international pet trade.<ref name=IUCN/>
==References== {{Wikispecies}} {{Commons category}} {{Reflist}} * Henkel, F.-W. and W. Schmidt (1995) ''Amphibien und Reptilien Madagaskars, der Maskarenen, Seychellen und Komoren''. Ulmer Stuttgart. {{ISBN|3-8001-7323-9}} * McKeown, Sean (1993) ''The general care and maintenance of day geckos''. Advanced Vivarium Systems, Lakeside CA.
{{Taxonbar|from=Q3017802}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Flat-Tailed Day Gecko}} serraticauda Category:Species that are or were threatened by the pet trade Category:Species that are or were threatened by habitat fragmentation Category:Reptiles described in 1963 Category:Reptiles as pets