Boettger's wall gecko
Boettger's wall gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola boettgeri, is a lizard species native to the Canary Islands and Savage Islands. This gecko primarily inhabits shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and rocky shores. It is an oviparous species, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the Canary Islands and Savage Islands.
- ›Inhabits shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and rocky shores.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous).
- ›Named in honor of German herpetologist Oskar Boettger.
- ›Three recognized subspecies exist: T. b. bischoffi, T. b. boettgeri, and T. b. hierrensis.
Gran Canaria Gecko
Canary Islands, Savage Islands, Galicia, Spain
About Boettger's wall gecko
Boettger's Wall Gecko (Tarentola boettgeri)
Boettger's wall gecko, also recognized as the Gran Canaria gecko, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Phyllodactylidae. This gecko is a native inhabitant of the Canary Islands and the Savage Islands. The species is characterized by its oviparous reproductive method, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
Geographic Range and Habitat
The natural range of Tarentola boettgeri includes the islands of Gran Canaria and El Hierro within the Canary Islands archipelago. Additionally, the subspecies T. b. bischoffi is indigenous to the Savage Islands. An introduced population of this gecko has also been established in Galicia, Spain. Its preferred habitats are diverse, encompassing shrubby vegetation, rocky terrestrial environments, and coastal rocky shores. Boettger's wall gecko can also be found in rural garden settings.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
The scientific name, Tarentola boettgeri, honors the German herpetologist Oskar Boettger. The species is further divided into three recognized subspecies: Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi, Tarentola boettgeri boettgeri, and Tarentola boettgeri hierrensis. However, ongoing research, such as that published in 2025, indicates that these subspecies may not accurately reflect the full pattern of genomic variation within the species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boettger's wall gecko also known as?
Boettger's wall gecko is also commonly referred to as the Gran Canaria gecko. This name reflects its native island habitat.
Where is Boettger's wall gecko found?
The species is native to the Canary Islands, specifically Gran Canaria and El Hierro, as well as the Savage Islands. An introduced population has also been noted in Galicia, Spain.
What kind of environment does Boettger's wall gecko prefer?
Boettger's wall gecko prefers habitats that include shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and rocky shores. They can also be found in rural gardens.
How does Boettger's wall gecko reproduce?
Boettger's wall gecko is oviparous, which means it reproduces by laying eggs. Details on clutch size or incubation periods are not specified.
Are there different types of Boettger's wall gecko?
Yes, there are three recognized subspecies of Boettger's wall gecko: Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi, Tarentola boettgeri boettgeri, and Tarentola boettgeri hierrensis. However, recent genomic studies suggest these subspecies may not accurately represent the species' genetic diversity.
Who is Boettger's wall gecko named after?
The species is named in honor of the German herpetologist Oskar Boettger. One of its subspecies, T. b. bischoffi, is named after Wolfgang Bischoff, also a German herpetologist.
Related Lizards
Tarentola boettgeri
Boettger's wall gecko, also known as the Gran Canaria gecko, is a species of lizard native to the Canary Islands and Savage Islands. It is characterized by its habitat in shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and rural gardens. The species is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs.
East Canary gecko
The East Canary gecko, also known as the Canary wall gecko (Tarentola angustimentalis), is a species of lizard native to the eastern Canary Islands. This plump, dorsally flattened gecko is characterized by adhesive toe pads, small tubercles on its skin, and variable greyish-brown coloration with darker bars. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from rocky shores and shrubland to urban areas, and is commonly observed at night on walls and ceilings.
Maltese wall lizard
The Maltese wall lizard (Podarcis filfolensis) is a species of lizard found in Malta and the Pelagian Islands of Italy. It inhabits Mediterranean-type shrubland, rocky areas, shores, arable land, pasture, and rural gardens. Distinguishing features vary by subspecies, with males generally exhibiting brighter colors than females and juveniles.