Editing Phelsuma breviceps

{{Short description|Species of lizard}}
{{Speciesbox|status=VU|status_system=IUCN3.1|status_ref=<ref>{{Cite journal | author = Bora, P. | author2 = Glaw, F. | author3 = Rabibisoa, N. | author4 = Rakotondrazafy, N.A. | author5 = Ratsoavina, F. | author6 = Raxworthy, C.J. | name-list-style = amp | title = ''Phelsuma breviceps'' | journal = [[The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species]] | volume = 2011 | page = e.T172824A6924950 | publisher = [[IUCN]] | date = 2011 | url = http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/172824/0 | doi = 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-2.RLTS.T172824A6924950.en | access-date = 15 January 2018| doi-access = free }}</ref>
| image = Phelsuma breviceps.JPG
|genus=Phelsuma
|species=breviceps
|authority=[[Oskar Boettger|Boettger]], 1894
|range_map = Phelsuma breviceps distribution.png }}
'''''Phelsuma breviceps''''' is a [[Diurnal animal|diurnal]] [[species]] of [[gecko]] that is native to south-west [[Madagascar]] and typically dwells on [[trees]] and [[Shrub|bushes]]. Its diet in the wild consists mainly of [[insect]]s.

==Description==
This lizard belongs to the smallest day geckos. It can reach a maximum total length of about 10&nbsp;cm. This species is easily recognised by its short snout, after which it has been named. The basic body colour is light grey to brownish. On the back there are light blue and dark dots and stripes. The legs have light blue spots.

==Distribution==
This species inhabits south-west Madagascar. It is found in the area around [[Toliara]] and near the [[Tsimanampetsotsa]]-lake.

==Habitat==
[[File:E stenoclada ies.jpg|thumb|150px|''[[Euphorbia stenoclada]]'']]
''P. breviceps'' is adapted to a dry climate. It is often found on the [[succulent]] spurge ''[[Euphorbia stenoclada]]'' which has 7&nbsp;cm long thorns.

==Diet==
These day geckos feed on various insects, other invertebrates and nectar, both in the wild and in captivity.

==Behaviour==
Like most geckos of the genus ''Phelsuma'', this species is quite silent.

==Reproduction==
The females lay their [[egg (biology)|eggs]] between the wood spurge thorns.

==Care and maintenance in captivity==
These animals should be housed in pairs and need a dry terrarium. These animals can be fed with crickets,  wax moth, fruits flies, mealworms, houseflies and fruit baby food.

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*Christenson, Leann and Greg (2003) "Day Geckos In Captivity". Living Art Publishing. {{ISBN|0-9638130-2-1}}
*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=Q3011311}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Phelsuma Breviceps}}
[[Category:Phelsuma]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1894]]
[[Category:Endemic fauna of Madagascar]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Africa]]