Christinus alexanderi

Christinus alexanderi, also known as Alexander's southern gecko or Alexander's marbled gecko, is a species of Gekkonidae geckos found in the Nullarbor Plain of Australia. It is one of the many species and subspecies regionally termed as marbled geckos.

Christinus alexanderi
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Christinus
Species:
C. alexanderi
Binomial name
Christinus alexanderi
Storr, 1987
Synonyms

Phyllodactylus marmoratus alexanderi

Classification

The species is one of three in the genus Christinus, placed in the Gekkonidae (gecko) subfamily Gekkoninae, and was first described by Glen Storr in 1987,[2] as Phyllodactylus marmoratus alexanderi, before being elevated to its current status as Christinus alexanderi.[3] The holotype specimen was collected at Eucla.[4]

Description

The superficial appearance of this species is similar to that of Christinus marmoratus, the more widespread marbled gecko, but is distinguished by its scales at the nostril and chin. The marbled pattern of the species also gives a resemblance to the Gehyra variegata, the variegated dtella, which is also found in its distribution range, but this species has claws on all its digits.[5] The contrasted patterns of C. alexanderi is found in a variety of hues. They are frequently found sheltering under rocks.[6]

Reproduction

The males are recorded as sexually active from January to May, but the females do not produce eggs until the spring, September to October. The female is thought to store sperm through this winter period.[6]

Habitat

The species is endemic to the Nullarbor Plain, occurring in most habitats of the region. This includes coastal limestone and mallee woodlands.[5]

References
  1. Ellis, R.; Shea, G. (2017). "Christinus alexanderi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T102731236A102731328. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T102731236A102731328.en. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  2. Storr, G. M. (1987). "The genus Phyllodactylus (Lacertilia: Gekkonidae) in Western Australia". Records of the Western Australian Museum. 13 (2): 275–284.
  3. Donnellan, S. C.; Aplin, K. P. & Dempsey, P. J. (2000). "Genetic and morphological variation in Australian Christinus (Squamata: Gekkonidae): preliminary overview with recognition of a cryptic species on the Nullarbor Plain". Australian Journal of Zoology. 48 (3): 289–315. doi:10.1071/ZO98015.
  4. WAM R281, Eucla, WA [31°43'S 128°53'E].
  5. Browne-Cooper, Robert; Brian Bush; Brad Maryan; David Robinson (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. pp. 108, 109. ISBN 978-1-920694-74-6.
  6. Greer, A.E. (7 August 2006). "Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles" (PDF). Australian Museum Online.

Data related to Christinus alexanderi at Wikispecies

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.