Namib chirping gecko

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.

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.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of P. carpi is desert, at altitudes from sea level to .

Description

Adults of P. carpi usually have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of . The maximum recorded SVL is . 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.

Behavior

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

Vocalization

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

Reproduction

P. carpi is oviparous.

References

Further reading

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