The
coloration of P. abbotti chekei
varies from one individual to the other. It ranges from blue to green or
grey, with marbled flanks and legs. The dorsal pattern consists of
red-brown dots and sometimes a median vertebral line is present. It is a
medium sized species that reaches lengths up to 145 mm, the females are
generally a little smaller and duller in colouration.
Two further subspecies or known;
Phelsuma abbotti abbotti (Stejneger,
1893) from the Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles and
Phelsuma abbotti sumptio (Cheke, 1982) from
Assumption Island, Seychelles.
Distribution
Their
distribution range is for a Malagasy form quite extensive, it
occurs along Madagascar’s western coast from Antsiranana in the
north, as far south as Antsalova. Phelsuma
abbotti chekei occurs along the north-western coast of
Madagascar, including the Ampasindava peninsular and the islands Nosy Bé, Nosy Komba and Nosy
Mamoko. The record from Sambava (Eastern Madagascar) is probably
incorrect and mistaken for Phelsuma masohoala. The most
southern record is from Soalala in western Madagascar and the
distribution reaches as far north as Antsiranana (Terra Typica).
Phelsuma abbotti chekei
is mainly found on large sun exposed tree trunks outside and at
the edge of primary forest patches. On Nosy Be and on the
Ampasindava peninsula the species is also found in the coastal
mangroves and mangrove trees along swamps and rivers. In western
Madagascar, in the seasonal dry forests near Antsalova, the
animals are found in the larger deciduous trees. In urban areas
like Antsiranana and southern Nosy Be, they can be found on
houses and in gardens.