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The Genus Rhacodactylus
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| Meanwhile,
six species and two subspecies have been described in the genus Rhacodactylus
. The generic name Rhacodactylus
was coined by Fitzinger in
1843 . Mesuring more than 390 mm [ 15,9 in. ], R.
leachianus is actually the largest recent gecko
species.. |
| The
species forming this genus are R. auriculatus; R.
ciliatus; R. chahoua; R. leachianus; R. sarasinorum and R.
trachyrhynchus and theh two subspecies R.
leachianus henkeli and R. trachyrhynchus trachycephalus.
A further yet undescribed species has been kept in our terrariums for a
long time, and it will be described scientifically in near future. Fort
he time being, these animals are labeled R. leachianus
(dark form). |
| These
species are invaribaly arboreal. Only R. auriculatus
may be found on low shrubs (or even on the ground) rather frequently. As
a large portion of their diet consists of various fruits, these animals,
the local tree flora and their fruits play an important part in the
natural histoiry of the geckos. The large-sized species are especially
fond of this kind of food. Consequently, man-made monocultures replacing
the primary vegetation constitute a great danger for these species. In
the terrarium they also feed on fruits to a considerable degree. |
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