Phelsuma andamanensis

Phelsuma andamanensis, commonly known as the Andaman day gecko, is a vibrant, small-bodied gecko endemic to the Andaman Islands of India. Unlike most members of the genus Phelsuma, which are primarily found in Madagascar and Mauritius, this species is geographically isolated, nearly 5,000 km away from its closest relatives.

This gecko exhibits bright green coloration with red markings on its back, while males often have bluish tails. It thrives in lowland habitats, frequently found on banana trees, coconut palms, and screw pines, as well as on local huts and plantations.

Interestingly, P. andamanensis has benefited from human activity, expanding its range due to the growth of cash crops. Recent sightings suggest it has been introduced to the Nicobar Islands, likely through human-mediated dispersal.

Its evolutionary history indicates it is the most basal extant member of the genus, diverging around 27 million years ago.