Higher classification Lygodactylus Rank Species | Scientific name Lygodactylus capensis Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Lygodactylus, Reptile, Lygodactylus williamsi, Sphaerodactylus, Gonatodes | ||
The Cape dwarf gecko (Lygodactylus capensis) is a species of dwarf gecko found in the woodlands and forests of central and southern Africa. It also occurs commonly in towns and cities and is sometimes kept as a pet.
Contents
Range
It occurs in South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland, the DRC, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Mozambique and Tanzania, including Pemba Island.
Habits
They are often seen on garden walls in towns and cities. When moulting it actively assists the process by detaching skin flakes and consuming them.
Description
Length (snout to vent length) is 39 mm for males, 43 mm for females. Throat is stippled with grey or brown while the belly is cream coloured. The back is grey-brown with dark streak from snout to shoulder or beyond. Its tail is remarkable for having the underside covered in adhesive lamellae enabling its use as a fifth limb.
