Phelsuma ornata, the ornate day gecko


P. ornata from Ile aux Augrettes, SE Mauritius.
This lowland species is found in coastal areas throughout Mauritius. It is also found on many of the surrounding smaller islands, including Gunner's Quoin (Coin de Mire), Round Island, Flat Island, Gabrielle, Ile aux Augrettes, and Ile aux Benetiers. These geckos are normally found perched on low branches and trunks of both native and introduced trees and shrubs, and can sometimes be found on rocks.
More photos (click on any of the images below for a larger, high-resolution version):
Male P. ornata from Flat Island, showing elaborate body coloration.
Phelsuma are important pollinators in Mauritian ecosystems. This individual from Flat island has pollen on its nose.
Phelsuma are very inquisitive. This is another individual from Flat island.
Male P. ornata from Flat island, closeup of head shape and pattern. The shape of the head and particular pattern of red stripes varies greatly between and within populations.
Populations of P. ornata also vary in their body shape. For example, geckos from Flat island have proportionally longer legs.
Ile aux Benetiers is the only Mauritian offshore island with both P. ornata and P. cepediana. This is a juvenile P. ornata from the island - note the distinctive juvenile markings.
Individual from Ile aux Benetiers showing body shape variation between populations - compare these legs to the gecko from Flat island.
The largest and most spectacularly-colored P. ornata in Mauritius are found on Round island.
Eggs of P. ornata glued to the underside of a "vacoas" (Pandanus) plant on Ile aux Augrettes.
P. ornata from Ile aux Augrettes.
P. ornata are very abundant on Ile aux Augrettes.
Some pandanus plants on Ile aux Augrettes are home to as many as 20 P. ornata.
Eating a discarded date, Gabrielle island. Photo by Nik Cole.
Brightly-colored male from Gabrielle island.
When day geckos are not active, their colors can be much duller. This individual was inside a large Pandanus tree on Gabrielle island.
On Gunner's Quoin (Coin de Mire), P. ornata are frequently found on cactus pads and rocks.
Rock-dweller from Gunner's Quoin.
Another P. ornata on Gunner's Quoin.
P. ornata are also common in some areas of mainland Mauritius - this photo was taken at Domaine de Ylang Ylang.