Day gecko classification

[kenya_1977]

So, with some of the recent talk of lygodactylus I started wondering if they were a true day gecko. Anyone a little more savy on classifications? I thought that most of the day geckos came out of Madagascar.

Thanks
Crystal

 

[yuri]

A lot of diurnal geckos are referred to as "day geckos". For example, Gonatodes are referred to as "day geckos" by some, but they are certainly not Phelsuma. These are just simply english language common (or uncommon) names and not classification.

It is good practice to refer to geckos by their scientific name (Genus Species) as opposed to common names. Otherwise it can lead to a lot of confusion. Yellow headed geckos are a good example - are these Gonatodes albogularis or are they Lygodactylus picturatus or maybe Phelsuma klemmeri or even something else? Using the scientific name leaves little doubt.

A good page on current gecko classification can be found here:
http://www.embl-heidelberg.de/~uetz/families/Gekkonidae.html

 

[kenya_1977]

Well, I knew that the genus was in Gekkonidae.. I just didn't know if there was specific identification requirements to be a "day gecko" rather than just being a diurnal gecko.

In some sources I'm only seeing Phelsuma being listed as "day geckos". That would tell me there is something specific about the genus Phelsuma.

 

[yuri]

Hi Crystal,

Maybe this website will shed some light on why Phelsuma are Phelsuma.

http://phelsumania.com/public/systematics/history.html

This website also has an extensive bibliography on Phelsuma.

As to the term "day geckos", again, this is only a common name. Some people use this to describe the genus Phelsuma, some people use this to describe all diurnal gecko genera (including, but not exclusive to the genus Phelsuma). Take note that the recently published book by Bruse, Frank and Michael Meyer, Wolfgang Schmidt "DAY GECKOS (PROFESSIONAL BREEDERS SERIES)", is about diurnal geckos (Phelsuma, Gonatodes, Sphaerodactylus etc.).

Hope this helps.
Yuri