Biology:Methuen's dwarf gecko

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Short description: Species of lizard

Methuen's dwarf gecko
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Lygodactylus
Species:
L. methueni
Binomial name
Lygodactylus methueni
V. Fitzsimons, 1937

Methuen's dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus methueni), also known commonly as the Woodbrush dwarf gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to southern Africa.

Etymology

The specific name, methueni, is in honor of British naturalist Paul Ayshford Methuen.[2]

Geographic range

L. methueni is endemic to South Africa and is found near Haenertsburg in the Woodbush Forest area and Haenertsburg Common.[3]

Description

L. methueni is olive-grey.[3]

Behaviour

L. methueni basks on the boles of large trees or on rocky outcrops.[3]

Reproduction

L. methueni is oviparous.[4]

Conservation status

Forestry plantations and frequent fires pose a threat to the habitat of L. methueni and have resulted in a reduction in the population.[3]

References

  1. Tolley, K.A.; Weeber, J.; Pietersen, D.; Conradie, W.; Alexander, G.J. (2022). "Lygodactylus methueni". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: e.T12439A197400102. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12439/197400102. Retrieved 30 July 2022. 
  2. Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN:978-1-4214-0135-5. (Lygodactylus methueni, p. 177).
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 ""METHUEN'S DWARF GECKO". Friends of the Haenertsburg Grasslands (FroHG)". http://www.haenertsburg.co.za/FrOHG/index.cfm?Aid=1885891234. Retrieved 1 November 2014. 
  4. Species Lygodactylus EMBL at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org.

Further reading

  • Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN:0-88359-042-5. (Lygodactylus methueni, pp. 247–248 + Plate 91).
  • FitzSimons V (1937). "Three New Lizards from South Africa". Annals of the Transvaal Museum 17 (4): 275–279. (Lygodactylus methueni, new species, pp. 275–276, Figures 1–2).

Wikidata ☰ Q774286 entry