Cape dwarf gecko
| Cape dwarf gecko | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Gauteng, South Africa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Gekkonidae |
| Genus: | Lygodactylus |
| Species: | L. capensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Lygodactylus capensis (Smith, 1849) | |
| Subspecies | |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) is a species of dwarf gecko found in the woodlands and forests of central and southern Africa. It occurs commonly in towns and cities and is sometimes kept as a pet.
Range
It occurs in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, the DRC, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Tanzania, including Pemba Island.[1]
Habits
They are often seen on garden walls in towns and cities. When moulting it actively assists the process by detaching skin flakes and consuming them.
Description
Length (snout to vent length) is 39 mm for males, 43 mm for females. Throat is stippled with grey or brown while the belly is cream coloured. The back is grey-brown with dark streak from snout to shoulder or beyond.[2] Its tail is remarkable for having the underside covered in adhesive lamellae enabling its use as a fifth limb. [3]
References
- Smith, A. (1848). Illustrations of the zoology of South Africa, Reptilia. Smith, Elder & Co., London.
- Spawls, S.; Howell, K.; Drewes, R.C. & Ashe, J. (2001). A field guide to the reptiles of East Africa. Academic Press, 543 pp.
External links
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Media related to Lygodactylus capensis at Wikimedia Commons - Lygodactylus capensis, GeckoList