Colonization of the Gold Dust Day Gecko, Phelsuma laticauda (Reptilia: Gekkonidae), in Moorea of the Society Archipelago, French Polynesia

Abstract

Phelsuma laticauda is recorded from Moorea, French Polynesia, for the first time on the basis of a hatchling specimen collected from the westernmost tip of the island in early October 2006. A much larger individual was also observed in the same area, but was not captured. These, as well as information with photographs from an inhabitant of the island regarding observations of similar geckos in 2003, strongly suggest a recent artificial introduction of this prominent gecko to Moorea and its establishment as a breeding population at least in the western part of this island.