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{{Short description|Species of lizard}}
{{Multiple issues|{{one source|date=October 2014}}{{more footnotes|date=October 2014}}}}
{{Refimprove|date=October 2020}}

{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| image = Homophilus wahlbergii.jpg
| image = Homopholis wahlbergii.jpg
| image_caption =
| image_caption =
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{IUCN | id =178204 | taxon =''Homopholis wahlbergii '' | assessor =Greenbaum E, Whiting MJ | assessment_year =2010 | version =2014.3 | accessdate = 7 January 2015}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>[[Michael F. Bates|Bates MF]], [[William Roy Branch|Branch WR]] (2018). "''Homopholis wahlbergii''". The [[IUCN]] Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T120696043A115894707. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T120696043A115894707.en. Downloaded on 22 October 2020.</ref>

<ref name="iucn status 1 February 2021">{{cite iucn |author=[[Michael F. Bates|Bates MF]] |collaboration=Alexander, G.J., Conradie, W., Pietersen, D., Tolley, K.A., Weeber, J. & [[William Roy Branch|Branch WR]] |date=2022 |title=''Homopholis wahlbergii'' |volume=2022 |page=e.T120696043A197429420 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T120696043A197429420.en |access-date=21 January 2023}}</ref>
| genus = Homopholis (lizard)
| genus = Homopholis (lizard)
| species = wahlbergii
| species = wahlbergii
| authority = ([[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|A. Smith]], 1849)
| authority = ([[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|A. Smith]], 1849)
| range_map = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|from=Wahlberg's velvet gecko range.map}}
| range_map = Homopholis walbergii distribution.png
| range_map_caption = Distribution in southeast Africa
| range_map_caption = Distribution in south-east Africa according to the IUCN.
{{leftlegend|#1e5833|Extant (resident)}}
| synonyms =
*''Geko walbergii'' <br>{{small|A. Smith, 1849}}
| synonyms = *''Geko walbergii'' <br>{{small|A. Smith, 1849}}
*''Homopholis wahlbergi'' <br>{{small|Kahl et al. 1980}}
*''Homopholis wahlbergii'' <br>{{small|— [[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1885}}
*''Homopholis wahlbergii'' <br>{{small|Boycott, 1992}}
*''Homopholis macrolepis'' <br>{{small|[[Boulenger]], 1885}}
*''Homopholis macrolepis'' <br>{{small|George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1885}}
*''Platypholis walbergii'' <br>{{small|— [[Arnold G. Kluge|Kluge]], 1993}}
*''Platypholis walbergii'' <br>{{small|Kluge, 1993}}
*''Homopholis wahlbergi'' <br>{{small|— [[William Roy Branch|Branch]], 1993}}
| synonyms_ref =<ref>"''Homopholis walbergii'' ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.</ref>
| synonyms_ref = <ref>{{EMBL species|genus=Homopholis|species=walbergii}} www.reptile-database.org.</ref>
}}
}}


'''Wahlberg's velvet gecko''' (''Homopholis wahlbergii'' ){{efn|Alternately spelled ''walbergii''.<ref name=IUCN/>}} is a [[species]] of large [[gecko]], a lizard in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Gekkonidae]]. The species occurs exclusively in [[Southern Africa]].
'''Wahlberg's velvet gecko''' ('''''Homopholis wahlbergii''''') is a [[species]] of large [[gecko]], a lizard in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Gekkonidae]]. The species occurs exclusively in [[Southern Africa]].


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The [[Specific name (zoology)|specific name]], ''wahlbergii'', is in honor of Swedish naturalist [[Johan August Wahlberg]].<ref>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}}. (''Homopholis wahlbergii'', p. 278).</ref>
The [[Specific name (zoology)|specific name]], ''wahlbergii'', is in honour of Swedish naturalist [[Johan August Wahlberg]].<ref>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}}. (''Homopholis wahlbergii'', p. 278).</ref> The spelling ''walbergii'' was corrected to ''wahlbergii'' by Smith (1849) in an errata within an addenda slip (unpaginated).


==Geographic range==
==Geographic range==
''H. wahlbergii'' is [[endemic]] to [[Miombo]] and [[Mopane]] [[bushveld]] of [[Botswana]], [[South Africa]], [[Swaziland]], [[Zimbabwe]], and [[Mozambique]]. The largest part of its range covers Zimbabwe.
''H. wahlbergii'' is [[endemic]] to [[Miombo]] and [[Mopane]] [[bushveld]] of [[Botswana]], [[South Africa]], [[Eswatini]], [[Zimbabwe]], and [[Mozambique]]. The largest part of its range covers Zimbabwe.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}


==Habitat==
==Habitat==
''H. wahlbergii'' shelters under tree bark, rocks, empty bird nests, and other places in coastal bush and mesic and arid savannas.<ref name=IUCN/>
''H. wahlbergii'' shelters under tree bark, rocks, empty bird nests, and other places in coastal bush and mesic and arid savannas.<ref name=iucn/>


==Description==
==Description==
Wahlberg's velvet gecko is so called because the skin looks and feels like velvet. The back varies from dark grey to soft grey-brown and may be crossed with paler chevrons or crossbars or have mottled paler areas nestled along the centre of its back and spine. Adults may attain a total length (including tail) of {{convert|21|cm|in|abbr=on}}, but average total length is {{convert|14|-|18|cm|in|abbr=on}}.
Wahlberg's velvet gecko is so called because the skin looks and feels like velvet. The back varies from dark grey to soft grey-brown and may be crossed with paler chevrons or crossbars or have mottled paler areas nestled along the centre of its back and spine.<ref name=Bill2004/> Adults may attain a total length (including tail) of {{convert|21|cm|in|abbr=on}}, but average total length is {{convert|14|-|18|cm|in|abbr=on}}.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}


==Behaviour==
==Behaviour==
''H. wahlbergii'' is nocturnal; however, it has been observed to occasionally be active during the day.<ref name=IUCN/> It ventures far from its usual roost only at night, when courtship generally occurs. It is frequently found in [[baobab]] trees and in the roofs and walls of traditional mud-huts and other human dwellings.
''H. wahlbergii'' is nocturnal; however, it has been observed to occasionally be active during the day.<ref name=iucn/> It ventures far from its usual roost only at night, when courtship generally occurs.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} It is frequently found in [[baobab]] trees and in the roofs and walls of traditional mud-huts and other human dwellings.<ref name=Bill2004>[[William Roy Branch|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}}. (''Homopholis wahlbergii'', pp. 244–245 + Plate 90).</ref>


==Diet==
==Diet==
''H. wahlbergii'' is mainly insectivores.<ref name=IUCN/> Beetles make up the majority of its diet, with butterflies making up the next largest proportion, although it can also consume millipedes.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007">Whiting MJ, Reaney LT, Keogh JS (2007). "Ecology of Wahlberg's velvet gecko ''Homopholis wahlbergii'' in southern Africa". ''African Zoology'' '''42''': 38-44.</ref>
''H. wahlbergii'' is mainly insectivores.<ref name=iucn/> Beetles make up the majority of its diet, with butterflies making up the next largest proportion, although it can also consume millipedes.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007">[[Martin J. Whiting|Whiting MJ]], [[Leeann T. Reaney|Reaney LT]], [[J.Scott Keogh|Keogh JS]] (2007). "Ecology of Wahlberg's velvet gecko ''Homopholis wahlbergii'' in southern Africa". ''African Zoology'' '''42''': 38-44.</ref>


==Breeding==
==Breeding==
Males and females of ''H. wahlbergii'' exhibit little to no sexual dimorphism.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007"/> Females reproduce annually once they reach sexual maturity.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007"/> The female lays pairs of large, hard-shelled eggs that start soft and adhesive. Egg length, {{convert|17|–|19|mm|in|abbr=on}}, is not correlated to maternal length.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007"/> These eggs are concealed under bark overhangs, rock crevices, etc.
Males and females of ''H. wahlbergii'' exhibit little to no sexual dimorphism.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007"/> Females reproduce annually once they reach sexual maturity.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007"/> The female lays pairs of large, hard-shelled eggs that start soft and adhesive. Egg length, {{convert|17|–|19|mm|in|abbr=on}}, is not correlated to maternal length.<ref name="Whiting, M. J. 2007"/> These eggs are concealed under bark overhangs or in rock crevices.<ref name=Bill2004/>


==References==
==References==
{{notelist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


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*[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]] (1885). ''Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume I. Geckonidæ ...'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 436 pp. + Plates I-XXXII. (''Homopholis wahlbergii'', p.&nbsp;191).
*[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]] (1885). ''Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume I. Geckonidæ ...'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 436 pp. + Plates I-XXXII. (''Homopholis wahlbergii'', p.&nbsp;191).
*{{cite book|last1=Branch|first1=Bill|authorlink1=:fr:William Roy Branch|title=A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa|date=2002|publisher=Struik|location=Cape Town|isbn=1868726193|edition=2nd}}
*{{cite book|last1=Branch|first1=Bill|authorlink1=:fr:William Roy Branch|title=A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa|date=2002|publisher=Struik|location=Cape Town|isbn=1868726193|edition=2nd}}
*[[Andrew Smith (zoologist)|Smith A]] (1849). ''Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa; Consisting Chiefly of Figures and Descriptions of the Objects of Natural History Collected during an Expedition into the Interior of South Africa, in the Years 1834, 1835, and 1836; Fitted out by "The Cape of Good Hope Association for Exploring Central Africa:" Together with a Summary of African Zoology, and an Inquiry into the Geographical Ranges of Species in that Quarter of the Globe.'' [''Volume III. Reptilia.''] London: Lords Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury. (Smith, Elder and Co., printers). Plates with unnumbered pages of text. (''Geko wahlbergii'', new species, Plate 75).



{{Taxonbar|from=Q2125371}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q2125371}}

Latest revision as of 12:04, 31 July 2024

Wahlberg's velvet gecko
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Homopholis
Species:
H. wahlbergii
Binomial name
Homopholis wahlbergii
(A. Smith, 1849)
Map
Distribution in south-east Africa according to the IUCN.
  Extant (resident)
Synonyms[3]
  • Geko walbergii
    A. Smith, 1849
  • Homopholis wahlbergii
    — Boulenger, 1885
  • Homopholis macrolepis
    Boulenger, 1885
  • Platypholis walbergii
    — Kluge, 1993
  • Homopholis wahlbergi
    — Branch, 1993

Wahlberg's velvet gecko (Homopholis wahlbergii) is a species of large gecko, a lizard in the family Gekkonidae. The species occurs exclusively in Southern Africa.

Etymology

[edit]

The specific name, wahlbergii, is in honour of Swedish naturalist Johan August Wahlberg.[4] The spelling walbergii was corrected to wahlbergii by Smith (1849) in an errata within an addenda slip (unpaginated).

Geographic range

[edit]

H. wahlbergii is endemic to Miombo and Mopane bushveld of Botswana, South Africa, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. The largest part of its range covers Zimbabwe.[citation needed]

Habitat

[edit]

H. wahlbergii shelters under tree bark, rocks, empty bird nests, and other places in coastal bush and mesic and arid savannas.[1]

Description

[edit]

Wahlberg's velvet gecko is so called because the skin looks and feels like velvet. The back varies from dark grey to soft grey-brown and may be crossed with paler chevrons or crossbars or have mottled paler areas nestled along the centre of its back and spine.[5] Adults may attain a total length (including tail) of 21 cm (8.3 in), but average total length is 14–18 cm (5.5–7.1 in).[citation needed]

Behaviour

[edit]

H. wahlbergii is nocturnal; however, it has been observed to occasionally be active during the day.[1] It ventures far from its usual roost only at night, when courtship generally occurs.[citation needed] It is frequently found in baobab trees and in the roofs and walls of traditional mud-huts and other human dwellings.[5]

Diet

[edit]

H. wahlbergii is mainly insectivores.[1] Beetles make up the majority of its diet, with butterflies making up the next largest proportion, although it can also consume millipedes.[6]

Breeding

[edit]

Males and females of H. wahlbergii exhibit little to no sexual dimorphism.[6] Females reproduce annually once they reach sexual maturity.[6] The female lays pairs of large, hard-shelled eggs that start soft and adhesive. Egg length, 17–19 mm (0.67–0.75 in), is not correlated to maternal length.[6] These eggs are concealed under bark overhangs or in rock crevices.[5]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Bates MF, Branch WR (2018). "Homopholis wahlbergii". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T120696043A115894707. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T120696043A115894707.en. Downloaded on 22 October 2020.
  2. ^ Bates MF; et al. (Alexander, G.J., Conradie, W., Pietersen, D., Tolley, K.A., Weeber, J. & Branch WR) (2022). "Homopholis wahlbergii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2022: e.T120696043A197429420. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-1.RLTS.T120696043A197429420.en. Retrieved 21 January 2023.
  3. ^ Species Homopholis walbergii at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  4. ^ 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. (Homopholis wahlbergii, p. 278).
  5. ^ a b c 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. (Homopholis wahlbergii, pp. 244–245 + Plate 90).
  6. ^ a b c d Whiting MJ, Reaney LT, Keogh JS (2007). "Ecology of Wahlberg's velvet gecko Homopholis wahlbergii in southern Africa". African Zoology 42: 38-44.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Boulenger GA (1885). Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume I. Geckonidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 436 pp. + Plates I-XXXII. (Homopholis wahlbergii, p. 191).
  • Branch, Bill [in French] (2002). A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa (2nd ed.). Cape Town: Struik. ISBN 1868726193.
  • Smith A (1849). Illustrations of the Zoology of South Africa; Consisting Chiefly of Figures and Descriptions of the Objects of Natural History Collected during an Expedition into the Interior of South Africa, in the Years 1834, 1835, and 1836; Fitted out by "The Cape of Good Hope Association for Exploring Central Africa:" Together with a Summary of African Zoology, and an Inquiry into the Geographical Ranges of Species in that Quarter of the Globe. [Volume III. Reptilia.] London: Lords Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury. (Smith, Elder and Co., printers). Plates with unnumbered pages of text. (Geko wahlbergii, new species, Plate 75).


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