Tenerife Gecko

Canary Islands Gecko ( Tarentola delalandii )

The Canary Islands Gecko ( Tarentola delalandii ) is a gecko species of the family Phyllodactylidae. It is endemic to several islands in the Canaries. The epithet delalandii honors the French naturalist Pierre Antoine Delalande.

Features

The Canary Islands Gecko Gecko is the largest of the western Canary Islands. It reaches a total length up to 155 mm. His snout-vent length for males to 73 millimeters, 80 millimeters in exceptional cases be specified, and in females to 63.5 millimeters. The Canary Islands Gecko is similar to the gecko, but the Tuberkelschuppen on the back are only weakly keeled. The appearance of the Canary Islands geckos is smoother and leaner, he seems less prickly. The muzzle is much slimmer and cheeks, there are no Tuberkelschuppen. On the tail pointed and large Tuberkelschuppen are arranged in transverse rows, present. The iris is yellowish to golden brown. The basic color of the top is variable. During the day, the base color is usually light to dark gray. Five round, larger, bright spots and five saddle- like action, slurred, darker spots can be found along the center back. Young animals are richer in contrast drawn as older animals. For them, the rear tail half is remarkably bright and whitish gray.

Occurrence

The species is found only on La Palma, Tenerife and the three small, rocky islands that lie ahead Tenerife Roque de Garachico Roque de Dentro Anaga and Roque Fuera de Anaga. The Canary Islands Gecko is on these islands the only native gecko species.

The Canary Islands Gecko is found from sea level to 2300 meters above sea level, but adheres preferably in areas between 0 and 300 meters above sea level. He settled open and semi-open habitats, but also towns and cities.

Way of life

On La Palma and Tenerife, the way the whole year is overactive in low-lying areas, however, a winter rest is placed in higher parts of the islands. Canaries geckos are primarily crepuscular and nocturnal, but sometimes also to be found while sunbathing. Males give Rufserien from, females on the other hand individual calls. The mating behavior similar to probably the wall of geckos. The breeding season lasts from April to August. The females lay one or two eggs in the sand, Verwitterungsgrus or other loose soil. The eggs are from 11.5 to 14 mm long and 9-11 mm wide. The diet consists mainly of insects, particularly from ants and bugs but also grasshoppers and caterpillars. Furthermore, spiders and isopods are captured. As predators, long-eared owl, barn owl and domestic cats are known.

Documents

• Dieter Glandt: Pocket Encyclopaedia of amphibians and reptiles in Europe. Quelle & Meyer Verlag, Wiebelsheim 2010, ISBN 978-3-494-01470-8, pp. 537-538.