Subfamily Diplodactylinae Phylum Chordata Rank Species | Family Gekkonidae Higher classification Rhacodactylus Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Scientific name Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus Similar Rhacodactylus, Reptile, Rhacodactylus sarasinorum, Rhacodactylus chahoua, Rhacodactylus leachianus | ||
Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus have a dinner lesser rough snouted gecko
The rough-snouted giant gecko or tough-snouted gecko (Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus) is a species of gecko found in central and southern New Caledonia and on the outlying New Caledonian island of Ile de Pines. This gecko is considered to be in danger of extinction due to disappearing habitat and is being considered for protected status by CITES.
Contents
- Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus have a dinner lesser rough snouted gecko
- Description and habitat
- Breeding
- References
Description and habitat
The common name of R. trachyrhynchus refers to the enlarged scales that cover its snout. Other characteristics of this gecko include broad toes and a prehensile tail. R. trachyrhynchus has a mottled color pattern, generally a grayish-green to brown mixed with white. Its snout to vent length (SVL) is usually around 190mm. There are two sub-species of R. trachyrhynchus:
Like all Rhacodactylus geckos, R. trachyrhynchus is an omnivore. Its diet consists mainly of insects and fruit, and can include as well small lizards and nestling birds and rodents.
Breeding
R. trachyrhynchus is the only Rhacodactylus gecko that gives live birth. It is sometimes seen in captivity and as an arboreal species, requires a vertically oriented terrarium. Males should be housed separately or as a part of a breeding pair or trio with females. Though males housed together will often fight, females are social and can be housed together.
