Lygodactylus

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Lygodactylus
Yellow-headed dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus picturatus)

Yellow-headed dwarf gecko ( Lygodactylus picturatus )

Systematics
without rank: Sauropsida
Superordinate : Scale lizards (Lepidosauria)
Order : Scale reptiles (Squamata)
without rank: Geckos (gekkota)
Family : Geckos (Gekkonidae)
Genre : Lygodactylus
Scientific name
Lygodactylus
Gray , 1864

The genus Lygodactylus , which includes about 60 species, all of which, like the genera Phelsuma and Sphaerodactylus , are diurnal, belongs to the gecko family (Gekkonidae). The small geckos, which are also called "dwarf geckos", as adults, only reach total lengths of four to a maximum of nine centimeters.

The lizards are mainly found in Africa and Madagascar , but there are also two species in South America .

Lygodactylus picturatus

The yellow-headed dwarf gecko ( L. picturatus ), which is probably one of the best-known geckos of this genus in domestic terrariums , occurs in the coastal area of ​​East Africa and is a pure tree inhabitant. The males of this species are slightly larger than the females and are much more conspicuously colored. While the females have a beige-gray body color with scattered spots, the body of the males is blue-gray with a bright yellow head (see illustration).

Lygodactylus kimhowelli

Lygodactylus kimhowelli with prey

Lygodactylus kimhowelli is the scientific name. There are several competing German names, but they are not unambiguous (including yellow-headed day gecko, yellow-headed sticky-tailed gecko or dwarf-striped gecko).

The animals are a good seven centimeters long and can usually be kept in pairs without any problems. Best in terrariums with a minimum size of 30 × 30 centimeters (L × W) in the base area, the height is variable. Males and females are distinguished by the color of the throat (males black, females striped gray). In the terrarium, a moderately humid climate (25–30 ° C, 40–60% [during the day] to 80% [at night] relative humidity) is preferred. Small insects are eaten (crickets, spiders, crickets; approx. Six to eight prey every two days) and as an extra every now and then fruit pulp (banana pulp, ready-to-eat food for children, etc.).

species

literature

  • Beate Röll: Dwarf geckos, Lygodactylus , NTV Natur and Tier-Verlag Münster, 2004, ISBN 3-937285-16-4 .

Web links

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