Carphodactylus
Carphodactylus | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Carphodactylidae |
Genus: | Carphodactylus Günther, 1897[2] |
Species: | C. laevis
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Binomial name | |
Carphodactylus laevis Günther, 1897
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Carphodactylus is a monotypic genus of geckos in the family Carphodactylidae. The genus consists of the sole species Carphodactylus laevis, commonly known as the chameleon gecko. The species is endemic to the rainforests of northeastern Australia. It is rated as Least Concern, as it is common (albeit secretive) within its range and occurs within protected areas. It currently experiences no major threats, though long-term climate change may alter or reduce its geographic distribution under some scenarios.[1][3]
Description
C. laevis has an average
Coloration includes a broad black streak from the snout to the eye, and a pair of narrower streaks (black above and pale below) towards the
Distribution and ecology
C. laevis is found in cool rainforests of northeastern Queensland, at altitudes of 400–1,400 m (1,300–4,600 ft).[3][1] It is nocturnal, foraging on the leaf litter or low shrubs at night. C. laevis is oviparous.[5] Mitochondrial DNA has been used to argue that different C. laevis populations experienced significant genetic isolation during dry periods in the Pleistocene, but that this did not result in significant phenotypic change between populations.[6]
Etymology
The generic name, Carphodactylus, is Latin meaning "twig finger". The specific name, laevis, is Latin meaning "smooth".[citation needed]
Gallery
References
- ^ IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T102662790A102662811. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T102662790A102662811.en. Downloaded on 8 April 2021.
- ^ Günther A (1897). "Descriptions of New Species of Lizards and of a Tree-Frog from North-Eastern Queensland". Novitates Zoologicae, Zoological Museum, Tring 4: 403–406 + Plates XI–XII. (Carphodactylus, new genus, p. 403; C. laevis, new species, pp. 403–404 + Plate XI).
- ^ ISSN 0304-3800.
- ^ ISBN 978-0643100350(Carphodactylus laevis, p. 262).
- ^ Carphodactylus laevis at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database
- PMC 1689665.
Further reading
- Rösler H (1995). Geckos der Welt – Alle Gattungen. Leipzig: Urania. 256 pp. (Carphodactylus laevis, p. 95). (in German).
- Torr GA (1998). "A low elevation record for the rainforest gecko Carphodactylus laevis and a further addition to the herpetofauna of the Mossman Gorge section of Daintree National Park, QLD". Herpetofauna, Sydney 28 (1): 53.
- ISBN 978-1921517280.