Figure 1

Color and pattern variation in the genus Phelsuma. (a) Currently recognized species [19, 20] with corresponding ranges of background coloration (indicated by filled squares), varying from gray/brown to yellow/green to turquoise-blue, and dorsal and lateral patterns (indicated for illustration on Phelsuma lineata with an arrow and an arrowhead, respectively). Empty shapes indicate absence of the corresponding color or pattern. Dorsal patterns vary in both color (typically different shades of red) and shape (spots, stripes, and transverse bars). Lateral patterns appear as spots (sometimes surrounded by a blue ring) or broad stripes. Species indicated in bold were used in this study. (b) Skin samples represent variation found across the genus. The skin on the belly (shown here for Phelsuma grandis, lowest panel) is off-white in the majority of species.