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.
Key Facts
- ›Native to the Canary Islands and Savage Islands.
- ›Inhabits shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, rocky shores, and rural gardens.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous).
- ›Named in honor of herpetologist Oskar Boettger.
- ›Has three recognized subspecies: T. b. boettgeri, T. b. hierrensis, and T. b. bischoffi.
Boettger's Wall Gecko, Gran Canaria Gecko
Canary Islands, Savage Islands, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Galicia, Spain
About Tarentola boettgeri
Boettger's Wall Gecko (Tarentola boettgeri)
Boettger's wall gecko, scientifically known as Tarentola boettgeri and commonly referred to as the Gran Canaria gecko, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Phyllodactylidae. This species is a native inhabitant of the Canary Islands and the Savage Islands.
Habitat and Distribution
The preferred environments for Tarentola boettgeri include shrubby vegetation, rocky terrain, and coastal rocky shores. They are also known to inhabit rural gardens, indicating an adaptability to areas influenced by human activity. Geographically, the species is found on Gran Canaria and El Hierro within the Canary Islands, with one subspecies, T. b. bischoffi, indigenous to the Savage Islands. An introduced population has also been established in Galicia, Spain.
Reproduction
Tarentola boettgeri reproduces by laying eggs, classifying it as an oviparous species. The species has three recognized subspecies: Tarentola boettgeri boettgeri, Tarentola boettgeri hierrensis, and Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi. The specific name, boettgeri, honors the German herpetologist Oskar Boettger.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Tarentola boettgeri?
Tarentola boettgeri is commonly known as Boettger's wall gecko. It is also frequently referred to as the Gran Canaria gecko.
Where is Tarentola boettgeri found?
This species is native to the islands of Gran Canaria and El Hierro in the Canary Islands, as well as the Savage Islands. An introduced population has also been noted in Galicia, Spain.
What kind of habitats does Boettger's wall gecko prefer?
Boettger's wall gecko thrives in environments such as shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and rocky shores. They can also be found in rural gardens.
How does Tarentola boettgeri reproduce?
Tarentola boettgeri is oviparous, which means that reproduction occurs through the laying of eggs.
Are there different subspecies of Tarentola boettgeri?
Yes, there are three recognized subspecies of Tarentola boettgeri: Tarentola boettgeri boettgeri, Tarentola boettgeri hierrensis, and Tarentola boettgeri bischoffi. However, recent genomic studies suggest these subspecies may not accurately reflect the species' genetic variation.
Related Lizards
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.
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.