Namib chirping gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Ptenopus
Species:
P. carpi
Binomial name
Ptenopus carpi
Brain, 1962

The Namib chirping gecko (Ptenopus carpi), also known commonly as Carp's barking gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Namibia.[2]

Etymology

The specific name, carpi, is in honor of South African amateur naturalist Bernhard Carp (1901–1966), who was a financial supporter of museum expeditions.[3]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of P. carpi is desert, at altitudes from sea level to 300 m (980 ft).[1]

Description

Adults of P. carpi usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 5.0–5.5 centimetres (2.0–2.2 in). The maximum recorded SVL is 5.9 cm (2.3 in). Dorsally, it has 3–5 dark brown crossbars on the body, and 5-9 more on the tail. Ventrally, it is white. A yellow heart-shaped spot may be present on the throat.[4]

Behavior

P. carpi is nocturnal and digs burrows. It shelters in these burrows during the day.[1]

Vocalization

Males of P. carpi make barking or chirping sounds to attract females.[1]

Reproduction

P. carpi is oviparous.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Bauer AM, Becker F (2020). "Ptenopus carpi ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T196952A110221143.en. Accessed on 15 January 2022.
  2. 1 2 Ptenopus carpi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 8 January 2019.
  3. ↑ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Ptenopus carpi, p. 48).
  4. ↑ Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Ptenopus carpi, p. 265 + Plate 79).

Further reading

  • Brain CK (1962). "A review of the gecko genus Ptenopus with the description of a new species". Cimbebasia (1): 1–18. (Ptenopus carpi, new species).
  • Gramentz D (2008). "Zum bioakustischen Verhalten von Ptenopus carpi Brain, 1961 ". Sauria 30 (1): 43–46. (in German).
  • Haacke WD (1976). "The Burrowing Geckos of Southern Africa: 5. Phylogenetic and Taxonomic Affinities". Annals of the Transvaal Museum 30 (6): 71–89.
  • Rösler H (2000). "Kommentierte Liste der rezent, subrezent und fossil bekannten Geckotaxa (Reptilia: Gekkonomorpha)". Gekkota 2: 28–153. (Ptenopus carpi, p. 107). (in German).



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