This species was misidentified as Phelsuma newtonia (a species name that apparently doesn't exist) by our Malagasy guide, which is surprising since he knew the wildlife well and correctly identified numerous other species. Day Gecko expert Greg Christienson kindly identified it as Phelsuma lineata chloroscelis based on this picture. This name was later determined to be a junior synonym of Phelsuma lineata bifasciata. Later still, P. l. bifasciata was determined to be synonymous with P. l. lineata. Check out Greg's comprehensive Day Gecko website for more info and pictures of these beautiful lizards.

Vakona Forest Lodge was the first place we stayed on our second trip to Madagascar, and these geckos were the first herps we saw on the trip. Many walls, fences, and porches had a resident gecko or two. The vast majority were these gregarious Phelsuma lineata bifasciata, but there were a few shy Phelsuma quadriocellata quadriocellata mixed in there too.

Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this trip to Madagascar.

Just outside of our room at Setam Lodge, I spotted this tiny tail-less gecko on a small decorative plant. A little wind caused the stalks to sway back and forth, and the gecko was shy, so this was the only photo I got. It turned out to be the only Phelsuma lineata that we saw at Ranomafana.

Here is a list of all the reptiles and frogs I saw on this trip to Madagascar.

I spent a hot and entertaining hour or so watching this gecko and some of its friends play hide-and-seek in a large Ravenela palm.