Size at sexual maturity, sexual size dimorphism and new data on the breeding period of the threatened Phelsuma inexpectata

The Manapany day gecko Phelsuma inexpectata is endemic to Réunion Island and listed as a Critically Endangered species. Despite high conservation stakes, basic morphological data are scarce. Based on 389 captures across its geographic range, we provide the first large data set on body size allowing estimation of size at sexual maturity. Based on the snout-vent length (SVL) distribution of mature males and females, the transition size between the immature stage and the mature stage is estimated at a minimum of 42 mm SVL. Unambiguous indicators of sexual maturity are observed at a minimum SVL of 42 mm in males and 47 mm in females. Males are significantly larger than females, and both can reach a larger size than previously described in the literature. Finally, based on the temporal distribution of gravid females, we show that the egg production period may begin earlier than previously described in the literature.