Ptenopus kochi

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Ptenopus kochi
Ptenopus kochi.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Ptenopus
Species:
P. kochi
Binomial name
Ptenopus kochi
Haacke, 1964

Ptenopus kochi, also known commonly as the interdune barking gecko, Koch's barking gecko, and Koch's chirping gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Namibia. [2]

Contents

Etymology

The specific name, kochi, is in honor of Austrian-born South African entomologist Charles Koch. [3]

Description

Adults of P. kochi usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in). Its large bulging eyes and swollen nostrils give it a frog-like appearance. The body scales are very small and numerous, arranged in 187–222 rows around the body at midbody. The tail length is slightly shorter than SVL. The toes of all four feet have lateral fringes of elongate pointed scales. Dorsally, P. kochi is reddish brown, with light spots and dark speckles. Ventrally, it is whitish. The throat and labials of males are yellow. [2] [4]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of P. kochi is sandy desert, at altitudes of 50–500 m (160–1,640 ft). [1]

Behavior

P. kochi is terrestrial and crepuscular. [1] It digs burrows as long as 90 cm (35 in) and as deep as 40 cm (16 in). [4] During the summer breeding season, males vocalize from burrow entrances around sunset to attract females and establish territory. [1] [4]

Reproduction

P. kochi is oviparous. [2]

Related Research Articles

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<i>Bitis peringueyi</i> Species of snake

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<i>Stenodactylus doriae</i> Species of lizard

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<i>Telescopus beetzi</i> Species of snake

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Chondrodactylus fitzsimonsi, also known commonly as the button-scaled gecko, FitzSimons' thick-toed gecko, Fitzsimons's thick-toed gecko, and FitzSimons' tubercled gecko, is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to southwestern Africa.

The Cape Cross thick-toed gecko, also known commonly as Koch's gecko and Koch's thick-toed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to southern Africa.

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Pachydactylus haackei, also known commonly as Haacke's gecko or Haacke's thick-toed gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to Southern Africa.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barnard's Namib day gecko</span> Species of lizard

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boulton's Namib day gecko</span> Species of lizard

Boulton's Namib day gecko, also known commonly as Boulton's slender gecko, is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is native to southern Africa.

<i>Rhoptropus bradfieldi</i> Species of lizard

Bradfield's Namib day gecko is a species of lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species is endemic to Namibia. This species was first described in 1935 by the British-born, South African zoologist John Hewitt, who gave it the name Rhoptropus bradfieldi in honour of the South African naturalist and collector R.D. Bradfield (1882–1949).

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Becker, F.; Bauer, A.M. (2020). "Ptenopus kochi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2020: e.T178504A120595178. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T178504A120595178.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Ptenopus kochi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 8 January 2019.
  3. Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN   978-1-4214-0135-5. (Ptenopus kochi, p. 144).
  4. 1 2 3 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   978-1-4214-0135-5. (Genus Ptenopus, p. 265; species P. kochi, pp. 266 + Plate 79).

Further reading