Christinus alexanderi

Christinus alexanderi
Christinus alexanderi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Subfamily: Gekkoninae
Genus: Christinus
Species: C. alexanderi
Binomial name
Christinus alexanderi
Storr 1987
Synonyms

Phyllodactylus marmoratus alexanderi

Christinus alexanderi, a species of Gekkonidae, are geckos found in the Nullarbor Plain of Australia. It is one of the many species and subspecies that are regionally termed as Marbled Geckos.

Contents

Description

The superficial appearance of this species is similar to that of Christinus marmoratus, the more widespread marbled gecko, but is distinguished by its scales at the nostril and chin. The marbled pattern of the species also gives a resemblance to the Gehyra variegata, the variegated Dtella, which is also found in its distribution range, but this species has claws on all its digits.[1] The contrasted patterns of C. alexanderi is found in a variety of hues. They are frequently found sheltering under rocks.[2]

The males are recorded as sexually active from January to May, but the females do not produce eggs until the spring period, September to October. It is supposed that the female stores sperm through this winter period.[2]

The species is endemic to the Nullarbor Plain, occurring in most habitat of the region. This includes coastal limestone and mallee woodlands.[1]

Classification

The species is of three in the genus Christinus, placed in the Gekkonidae (gecko) subfamily Gekkoninae, and was first described by Glen Storr in 1987,[3] as Phyllodactylus marmoratus alexanderi, before being elevated to its current status as species Christinus alexanderi.[4] The type specimen, a holotype, was collected at Eucla.[5]

Their placement within the genus may be summarised as follows:

References

  1. ^ a b Browne-Cooper, Robert; Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, David Robinson (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. pp. 108, 109. ISBN 9778 1 920694 74 6. 
  2. ^ a b Greer, A.E. 2006. Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles. Australian Museum Online http://www.amonline.net.au/herpetology/research/encyclopedia.pdf Version date: 7 August 2006
  3. ^ Phyllodactylus marmoratus alexanderi Storr, G.M. 1987. The genus Phyllodactylus (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) in Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum 13(2): 275-284 [281]
  4. ^ Donnellan, S.C., Aplin, K.P. & Dempsey, P.J. 2000. Genetic and morphological variation in Australian Christinus (Squamata: Gekkonidae): preliminary overview with recognition of a cryptic species on the Nullarbor Plain. Australian Journal of Zoology 48(3): 289-315].
  5. ^ WAM R281, Eucla, WA [31°43'S 128°53'E].

External links

Data related to Christinus alexanderi at Wikispecies


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