Marbled gecko

Taxobox
name = Marbled gecko
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Gekkonidae
genus = "Christinus"
species = "C. marmoratus"
binomial = "Christinus marmoratus"
binomial_authority = (Gray, 1845)
synonyms = "Phyllodactylus marmoratus"

The Marbled Gecko ("Christinus marmoratus" or "Phyllodactylus marmoratus") is a common name applied to various species of gecko, they are native to mainland Australia from Victoria to Western Australia, the Americas, Africa and the Mediterranian Islands, and present in a variety of habitats, including city dwellings. The name "Phyllodactylus" means leaf-fingered, and refers to the expanded tips of the fingers.

As a 10 cm long gecko it has a tan-olive base complexion, sometimes with black blotches with laminae and toes that spread out for grasping onto slipery and soft surfaces. It is insectivorous by nature but its main diet consists of anything small enough to fit in its mouth.

Scales on top are different than those at the basal part, those on the top being juxtaposed and those at the base imbricate.

External links

* [http://www.kingsnake.com/oz/lizards/geckos/cmarmoratus.html Habitat range]
* [http://www.viridans.com/reppics/htm/2126APR1.HTM Image]

References

Edgar r. Waite F.L.S, C.M.Z.S, 1929 "The Reptiles and Amphibians of South Australia", Printed by Harbison Weir, Government Printer January 31, p. 76, 7/- sixpence.